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Flood of complaints after Shefford pipe leaks
Flooding in Kingsmede, Shefford.
ANGRY homeowners have appealed to a water company to take action after repeated flooding in their houses and road.
The group, who live in Kingsmede, Shefford are demanding that Anglian Water takes action after more than two-and-a-half years of problems with leaking water pipes in the road.
On Thursday and Friday last week (February 2 and 3) two homeowners had to be evacuated from their house after water from a pipe disturbed the gas supply under the road.
Kelvin Evans and Janet Chambers – whose garage was also flooded – had to leave their house for almost an hour after it was filled with gas.
Janet said: “We woke up smelling gas, rang the emergency number straight away and they said we should leave immediately.
“They told us not to turn on any lights even.”
Householders say that the water main under the road is no longer fit for purpose and urgently needs replacing.
But they claim that Anglian Water has not taken their complaints seriously and is trying to avoid taking on potentially costly repair work.
Gavin Hollis, 32, who has lived in the road for four years said: “The problem started back in July 2009 and since then it has happened another four or five times.
“I have had six inches of water in my garage before and I can’t keep anything of value in there any more.
“I have made insurance claims in the past but I’m reluctant to do so now as my premiums will just keep going up.”
A spokesman for Anglian Water said: “We are very sorry for the ongoing disruption to residents of Kingsmede in Shefford.
“The water mains serving the road have burst a number of times in recent months and this is clearly causing a great deal of inconvenience and annoyance.
“We are working to find a solution. In the meantime, problems in the area are being responded to as a matter of urgency to minimise any impacts on our customers.”
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Weather for Biggleswade
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Wind direction: North east
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