Gardener's misery as flooding takes its toll on beloved plants
Green-fingered Roy Nicholls loves nothing more than tending to his garden, planting roses and pulling weeds.
But lately the 78-year-old has been unable to enjoy his favourite pastime, as his plot is constantly flooded.
The surface water is now four inches deep and has crept up as far as Mr Nicholls' greenhouse, only 20 yards from his home of 55 years.
Mr Nicholls, of Hyde Road, Wednesfield, said his roses and conifers have died as a result, adding: "They have just got waterlogged and the roots have drowned in the water.
"The rain that started about three weeks ago hasn't left my garden. Normally I'm weeding this time of the year, but I can't get out; it's too wet.
"I can't get anything done."
Retired Walsall Council housing officer Mr Nicholls says his wife Shelia is also upset as she can't sit outside in the garden on sunny days.
The problem has persisted for three years. Mr Nicholls believes it has been exacerbated by neighbours filling in ditches at the bottom of their gardens, which were originally dug to contain and redirect run-off rainwater.
Now the father of three is calling on Wolverhampton City Council to address the issue.
However, the local authority says it is not its responsibility as the problem is not being caused by a lack of drainage on council land.
Spokesman Gurdip Thandi said: "We have visited the property and offered advice to the owner. But the council is not responsible for flooding in private gardens."
