Driven out by sewage ‘explosion’
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, CARPETS AND POSSESSIONS RUINED
A NOTTINGHAM mother-of-two has been forced to move after her toilet pumped raw sewage into her flat, in what she likened to an “explosion”.
Awen Hardy returned home to find “every single room” covered in waste on Monday, November 29.
She says Broxtowe Borough Council, which owns the Chilwell property, is still no closer to fixing the issue – even though she’s rung them 32 times.
“The stuff that is ruined and the smell in there is absolutely unbelievable,” the 31-year-old said. “My brand new carpet is ruined, the kids’ clothes and shoes are ruined and I’m not sure if the smell will ever come out of the sofa or wardrobe.”
She first reported her toilet was blocked on November 28. After initially moving herself and her two boys, aged six and eight, to a friends’ house, she returned to do some painting the next day.
“As I walked into the flat it was just literally full of water. It looked like the toilet had just exploded everywhere. Honestly, the smell. It’s like nothing I’ve ever smelt before, put it that way.”
She said there had been “no urgency” and “no apology” from the council.
“I very much feel like I’m being mugged off, really. I had new carpets put down on the Friday before it happened but the fact they have left someone’s home like that for nine days is just unbelievable.”
Still living at a friend’s house, Ms
Harding says the ordeal has been particularly hard for her youngest, who has autism.
“My oldest son is also quite emotional about it. I’ve had Christmas presents that have been posted through the door that have now been ruined,” she said.
She was offered temporary council accommodation but said she refused it due to it having only one bedroom and claims it was in a “known area for drug users”.
Broxtowe Borough Council has apologised to Ms Harding, saying it was dealing with the case “as a matter of urgency”.
A spokesperson said: “We have
had a team at the property on a daily basis. This is a very complex and unusual case and, to date, despite thorough investigation, we have not yet been able to resolve the situation.
“We are working with multiple contractors including Severn Trent Water to try and resolve the issue.”