Streetly flood families facing Christmas out of home

Some families whose houses were wrecked by flooding after a water pipe burst will not be able to return home for Christmas, it has emerged.

Almost 100 homes and gardens were damaged after the pipe burst near Aldridge Road, Streetly.

The flood affected 95 properties as thousands of litres of water from Barr Beacon Reservoir gushed down through streets, submerging some homes in three feet of water, and forcing residents to evacuate. South Staffordshire Water Company has admitted responsibility.

The company now says the burst main was due to casting flaws in the pipe.

Sarah Floyd, who lives with her husband Neil, 28, and 18-month-old son Jenson, only moved back into her home in Whitethorn Crescent yesterday.

The 28-year-old grants officer said: "The water came all the way through the house. It was knee-deep at the back. It's nice to be back home for Christmas but there are still a lot of people out of their homes."

Emma Travers' home in Aldridge Road was one of the first to be hit.

The social care worker had to be rescued by firefighters, along with her partner Richard Griffiths, 26, and their three-year-old son Jenson. The 24-year-old said: "We had our car written off because the water was about three or four feet outside.

"It reached the skirting board level in the house.

"My garden has to be ripped out and the foundations under the patio are unsafe. We need new carpets, windows and kitchen.

"We have gone through our own contents insurance but South Staffs Water was amazing at helping us."

The water firm said compensation claims had been submitted and were being processed.