Kentish Express Ashford & District
Frustrated householders demand flooding action
Leak in lane yet to be fixed two months after being reported
Angry residents say they are fed up with a water leak that has caused flooding after flowing continuously for nearly two months.
The leak in Bockhanger Lane near the Kingswood Grosvenor Hall activity centre has left properties with flooding and made the road impassable for walkers.
Jackie Patterson, 40, who lives in the lane, says the problem has gone on for months without being repaired, and she fears people passing by hold her responsible.
She said: “Nobody seems to want to do anything about it and nobody seems to know where this water is coming from.
“It is pure water, not rain water, just flowing from the bank.
“It’s flooding the lane, and it makes it really difficult for dog walkers or people with prams to pass through.
“My mother passed away recently and we held the funeral, and it was really difficult for people getting in and out.
“It was pouring down with rain, which just made the situation worse.
“With winter coming, it’s going to become even more dangerous for people walking down here. When the winter comes and the water freezes, it will become like a sheet of ice.
“We contacted South East Water in July about it, and they had contractors out at the end of July. But it wasn’t fixed. They’ve been really cagey about when they will stop the leak.”
A fortnight ago, the Kentish Express reported on how David and Carole Ray- field suffered constant flooding at their home in nearby Copperfield Close.
A statement from the Kingswood Grosvenor Hall centre said the company hoped to be good neighbours and was working with the Rayfield family to find a solution to water flowing downhill from the fields at the site.
Meanwhile South East Water distribution manager Ann Seach said: “We were first alerted to a leaking water pipe in Bockhanger Lane on July 31.
“Our technician confirmed the location and a gang repaired it on the same day.
“Following a phone call received on Monday this week, we understand the pipe is leaking again. We are sending a technician out to confirm this and will then repair the leak.
“We take the issue of leaks very seriously, with teams working around the clock to stop water being wasted on our 14,500-kilometre network of underground pipes.”
She added that customers could report leaks by calling 0333 000 3330.