Wet weather delays repair work on damaged homes

Weeks of wet weather have seriously delayed the return home of families in flood-hit Streetly, with some facing a second Christmas in rented accommodation.

Thousands of litres of water from Barr Beacon Reservoir gushed through streets, wrecking homes and cars, when a large water pipe in a field off Aldridge Road burst on November 12.

About 90 homes were submerged in three feet of water.

South Staffordshire Water say the clean-up operation has been badly affected by the prolonged wet spell which has not allowed properties to dry out.

Among those residents still unable to return home are Craig and Zoe Bullock whose home in Whitethorn Crescent was one of the worst damaged by flood water.

Mr Bullock, aged 42, said repair work had hit a number of setbacks.

"Work was started on the property in April after it had dried out but because we've had so much rain, the plasterboard has become sodden and they've had to rip out the ceiling and replace it. The moisture gets everywhere.

"There have been other issues," he added. "For instance, when they lifted the floors, which had sunk, back up to ground level, the concrete cracked. So new concrete has had to go down and that takes a long time to dry.

"It's all a waiting game. The weather is against everyone."

Mr Bullock, who works as a mechanic, said he has been told they may be back home by the end of August but a family in Lime Tree Lane have been told their return could be delayed until the New Year after their basement was filled with flood water.

However another neighbour, with children, moved back last week. About half a dozen families are still waiting to return home. Many of the residents are seeking legal advice after suffering uninsured losses, he revealed.

Mr Bullock estimates his uninsured damage at around £7,000 for garden gates, driveway, patio, lawn, conservatory and some kitchen furniture.