Residents of Birch Hill Crescent fed up of flooding issues 'caused by housing development'

Water under the floorboards of 23 Birch Hill Crescent

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Residents living on Birch Hill Crescent are fed up of flooding issues that they say have been caused by the build of a housing development located behind them.

Those living on Birch Hill Crescent have been suffering with issues for a number of years after the ground level of the site was moved, causing water to flow into their gardens.

John Wragg, who is one of the property owners affected, said: “Persimmon Homes have basically raised the level of the ground by about 6ft and the drains from the old site have been moved and nothing has been done to fix the issue.”

Water will often flow from the land through the walls of houses on Birch Hill Crescent.

John added: “It isn’t just rain water that comes through, it is clay water because we are built on clay so it’s a horrible colour. It comes through the walls and is under the garden.”

At one stage, John even found water under the floor boards of his house.

Jack Coulson, another resident suffering due to the problem, said: “I don’t need this at my age. When it rains it is awful because it just comes through the walls within minutes. I have spent a lot of money on trees and plants to try and soak up the water but I don’t even think that is working.”

Persimmon Homes say that they are working to resolve the issue but believe the build of the site has had a positive impact on the drainage, rather than a negative one.

Kevin Farrington, Technical Director with Persimmon Homes Lancashire, said: “I can confirm that we are aware of this issue and are in contact with both the Local Authority and local residents.

“We are working to resolve the concerns of residents and we are installing improved drainage to the rear of the boundary wall to the site.

“I would confirm that the works being carried out are a gesture of goodwill as Persimmon Homes are satisfied that the works undertaken on the site have had a positive overall impact on the drainage of the site rather than a negative one.”