Kenilworth family say bodged council repair has let rainwater 'ruin' their home

By James Smith 16th Oct 2024

Broken guttering has caused 'thousands of pounds' worth of damage to the Collett's home on Dudley Road (images supplied)
Broken guttering has caused 'thousands of pounds' worth of damage to the Collett's home on Dudley Road (images supplied)

A Kenilworth family say they have been left "angry" and "frustrated" at the lack of answers from the district council after weeks of having to deal with water "pouring" into their home.

Nick Collett said his utility room, new kitchen and his conservatory have been "ruined" after council contractors did a bodge job of repairing his neighbour's guttering a few weeks ago.

Having returned home from holiday at the start of September to scaffolding up next door, the family has had rainwater "gushing" into their house on Dudley Road following the 'repair'.

After weeks of chasing Warwick District Council (WDC) for answers, Mr Collett told Nub News he, his wife and two children are now unable to use parts of their home, amidst thousands of pounds worth of damage which is only getting worse.

Some of the damage to the utility room (image supplied)

"My neighbours were told they were getting new gutters when we were away on holiday," he told Nub News. 

"When we got up the scaffolding was up next door. 

"We share a downpipe with them, and the council has now set their gutter higher than ours, so all the water is running onto our side. 

"I called the council up, they came out and took a foot off my gutter and put an end cap on next door's - but that just meant water started pouring into my conservatory. 

"We called them out again, and they still didn't fix it, now all the water keeps running back over to ours."

Videos and photos show the rainwater has ruined the flashing, door frames, paint, plastering, roof and ceiling to the rear of the property.

The extent of the damage has only gotten worse during the past week of heavy rain and now the family are concerned about water getting into the electrics.

Mr Collett said he had been considering legal action to try and force the council into action.

Although WDC did send contractors round once again to look at the property, after Nub News got in contact regarding the issue.

"The main feeling is anger," he said. 

"We have worked hard to get a new kitchen; we have lived here for two years. 

"It is so angering, they don't answer your calls, don't answer your emails. 

"It is frustrating because you work hard to get a nice house for the kids and then the council contractors just trash it.

"The council are just taking the contractor's word for it that there isn't an issue."

Mr Collett has also thanked the support of Cllr Richard Hales for continuing to press his case and ask WDC for answers.

A Warwick District Council spokesperson said: "The council and our contractor are aware of the issue caused by these works, and we are speaking to the resident involved to repair the damage caused."

The family has made repeated requests for the guttering to be sorted (image supplied)

     

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