Elsie is driven to despair by sewage flood (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Elsie is driven to despair by sewage flood

2:40pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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A 90-year-old woman was told by her water company she would have to pay £100 to clean up sewage that poured from one of its drains into her front garden.

Elsie Coburn, who lives in Brewers Close, in South Ham, Basingstoke, rang Thames Water on Saturday to report that her garden was overflowing with sewage.

Mrs Coburn, who is a widow, was told that it was her responsibility and that she would have to pay a £35 call-out charge and £65 to have it cleaned up.

Mrs Coburn said: “This happens regularly, about twice a year, and it has driven me to the brink of despair.

“I don’t cause anyone any trouble, but because Thames Water’s drain empties out into my garden they want me to have to pay to clear it all up.

“I think it’s disgusting. Why should I have to pay for their mess? I don’t pour grease down my sink or anything and can’t afford to pay. I feel like packing a bag and running away.”

Mrs Coburn’s neighbour, Nancy Bak, aged 81, has the same problem.

She said: “I can’t stand the smell. It’s horrible and a safety risk. I had it coming up to my front door and Thames Water were asking me for money to clear it up.”

Following a call from The Gazette, the water company agreed to send their engineers to clean up the mess and look at the drain at no cost to the Brewers Close residents.

Simon Evans, Thames Water senior press officer, said: “It is our responsibility to look after water mains underground but as the drain is on Mrs Coburn’s property that is her responsibility.

“However, in this case we will take the matter on ourselves and Mrs Coburn will not be charged.”

When The Gazette inquired on Tuesday afternoon, the mess had still not been cleared up.