Anger after shop hit by flooding for fifth time

A DUNDEE business owner has demanded an urgent meeting after her shop flooded for the fifth time in 18 months.

In the latest incident, Wendy Sturrock, 39, said water began pouring into Room 39 on Dura Street just after the shop opened.

She claims it was the result of a pipe that had cracked in a top-floor flat above her premises.

Wendy, who owns a number of businesses on Dura Street, including a café and a hairdresser, said she has become “extremely frustrated” with Hillcrest Housing Association, which manages the flats above the store.

Wendy said the latest flooding happened after the clothing boutique opened at 9am on Friday.

She said: “When the water began pouring in, my heart sank.

“The lights went out as a result of the water.

“We then moved stock and mopped the floor.

“Fortunately, a Hillcrest electrician was on the scene due to the problem in the flats above so he was able to help put the electricity back on.”

Wendy said the total cost of the damage has now exceeded £5,000.

She said she’s contacted Hillcrest to try to arrange a meeting to discuss the ongoing problems.

She added: “As far as we understand, the water this time has come from a cracked pipe from the top-floor flat.

“It damaged a number of the properties before it came down to the shop. We have had to replace the tiles again at that corner, where we’ve previously had issues. However, my concern is now what the long-term damage is.

“I’ve spoken with some of the residents and they have told me they are getting money to replace items that were damaged, but I’ve heard nothing.

“I’m obviously extremely frustrated by the ongoing issues and the damage that has been caused to my premises — the floor is ruined.”

A Hillcrest spokeswoman said: “Following contact from a shop owner in Dura Street about water damage to their premises, a member of our property team has been in touch via email to arrange a meeting.

“The shop owner is understandably concerned, so once a suitable time is confirmed we will discuss the situation further with them.”

Wendy Sturrock says her shop has been hit by flooding for the fifth time in 18 months. Right: Images of the damage.