Pair blame 'inadequate' drainage for flooded homes

A couple whose home has flooded twice this year say Guildford Borough Council failed to install proper drainage on a nearby new estate.

Jane and Jimmy West, who live on the A323 Aldershot Road near Wood Street Village, had moved back home just three weeks ago after flooding in January.

Torrential rain from Storm Bert a week ago left the couple's house submerged under at least a foot of water (0.3m), just before Mr West was due to start cancer treatment.

Guildford Borough Council said it was reviewing the original drainage scheme at the neighbouring Carters Yard housing estate.

Speaking to BBC Radio Surrey, Mr West said the rain came down from the main road "like a river", leaving them temporarily homeless for the second time this year.

Mrs West said her family had owned the house for 50 years and had "never had this problem" before the estate was built three years ago.

She said their insurance has gone up from £300 to £800.

The couple claim the council had failed to take any action and had not cleaned the drains.

The Wests are hoping their insurance company will rehouse them nearby while repairs are carried out, as Mr West needs to be near the Royal Surrey County Hospital where he is receiving treatment.

Guildford Borough Council said: "Flooding of this nature is unusual in a new development and therefore we are now reviewing the original drainage scheme.

"We will do all we can to help ensure flooding of this severity does not occur again in this area.”

Vivid, the developers for Carters Yard, said: "A series of planned repairs are in place to restore any damage caused.

"We are also investigating measures to provide residents with reassurance that future flood risks will be reduced.”

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