Sewage spill couple 'outraged' and out-of-pocket

A water company has been criticised by a retired couple who said their front garden had been ruined by a sewage spill.

The leak happened in Green Lane, Sonning Common, Oxfordshire, as workers tried to clear a blockage in a nearby street caused by a build-up of fat, oil and grease.

Thames Water has agreed to remove pea gravel from the home that has been contaminated, as well as any plants, but it will not pay to reinstate the garden.

It has left keen gardener Clare Talbot and her husband Malcolm facing a large bill or costly insurance claim.

"I was devastated," Mrs Talbot said.

"I've put so much time, energy and love into growing this garden, from scratch, over the last four years and quite a few plants could well be trashed."

Thames Water did jet wash the patio in the back garden following the spill on 28 April but the front garden is covered in pea gravel which the company has a policy of not removing or replacing.

After Mrs Talbot complained to the company, it is now planning to clear away contaminated gravel as a "gesture of goodwill" but will not reinstate the garden.

Mrs Talbot said it would likely cost up to a £1,000 to fix.

The couple may be able to claim on their home insurance but they have an excess and worry about their premium rising as a result.

"I'm absolutely outraged, incensed, that a big company like that can just damage someone's private property and walk away," she said.

"It's astonishing."

In a statement, Thames Water said: "We're very sorry that Ms Talbot experienced external sewer flooding at her home, and we recognise just how distressing this can be.

"Due to complexities surrounding the clean up at the front of the property, further discussions were needed.

"A plan has now been put in place on how best to approach this work."

Mrs Talbot said: "It's been extremely upsetting.

"We can't go elsewhere for our water and they can do as they please.

"They have us over a barrel. They should be reimbursing us. To do otherwise is scandalous."

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