Barrow family left heartbroken by flooding nightmare
Last updated at 19:22, Friday, 12 October 2012
A BARROW family's home was left devastated by flooding for the second time in little more than a week when water came in from two directions.
Michael and Lesley Jackson’s house in Dungeon Lane in Roosecote, Barrow, was submerged under one foot of water following heavy rain yesterday afternoon.
Water came in from the front of the home when the road drain outside was unable to cope – and from the back as it ran off the farmland behind.
It is the second time in just over a week that their home has been badly flooded, and the fourth time this year.
Mrs Jackson, 64, said: “I’m heartbroken, absolutely heartbroken. I’ve spent a fortune on this house in the last two years.
“It’s just like a river. I just couldn’t cope with it.
“To keep my spirits up, I have to exaggerate and say it’s like Niagara Falls, but it really is like a river.”
With the help of daughter Rachel Saddler, the couple used two pumps to help re-route the water and were last night cleaning up using an industrial carpet cleaner.
The couple, who are fully insured, said they will have to temporarily move out for health and safety reasons.
Mr Jackson, who is due to retire in two weeks and has just left hospital following a hernia operation, said he expected the insurance company would condemn the kitchen area.
His 87-year-old mum, of Whitehaven, was due to visit for a holiday but they have now had to cancel.
Mrs Jackson said she does not feel she is getting any return for her council tax.
She said: “That drain outside has not worked properly in 40 years.
“As soon as that filled up, it was seeping through the side of the house.
“I’m wondering why I pay council tax. I’ve got no (street) lighting, no pavement, one drain which floods and the road is diabolical. And that’s what I’m paying rates for?”
Miss Sadler, 38, was philosophical about the flooding.
She said “At the end of the day, it’s water, not fire. It’s horrible, but we can clean it up – it’s not been burnt down.
“You’ve got to stay positive.”
First published at 16:21, Friday, 12 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
I paid full insurance to the AA and didn't get new for old when the electrician botched the electrics and kitchen, I had to have all the electrics done again. I still haven't been compensated. I was advised to have a check by the Fire Brigade after a light fitting went up in flames in the bathroom. This was after I had paid for a damp-proof course. Electric and water don't mix!
Posted by Mrs Elaine Summers on 13 October 2012 at 14:09