Water crisis at cottage (From Stroud News and Journal)

Water crisis at cottage

WHEN Wendy Needham bought her cottage she saw an idyllic, quiet country lane, overhanging trees and wild flowers growing in the grass verges.

But within a week of moving into her dream home, Miss Needham found herself living through a nightmare.

Just days after settling into Appletree Cottage in Chalford she received notice that Severn Trent would be closing her road for essential maintenance work.

"I was told the work would last a week - it has now been two months," she told the SNJ.

As a result of this Miss Needham said she is forced to make a 2 mile detour every time she goes out amounting to an extra 672 miles over the two month period.

She has also been unable to move the rest of her furniture in as no vehicle larger than a car can get within half a mile of the cottage.

"Because of the restricted parking I have had only one brave visitor since I moved in and I haven't been able to throw a house warming party."

Miss Needham went on to say that most weeks the water supply has been off on several days.

"I have had a digger left at the bottom of my drive, I have to drive over loose rocks and on some occasions have not been able to get into my drive because of safety barriers."

To add insult to injury Miss Needham has now received a water bill notice threatening court action if her bill is not paid.

"With all these problems do they really expect me to pay my water bill?" she said. Now she is determined to stand her ground and not pay the bill.

"If this does eventually go to court then so be it," she said.

Spokesman for Severn Trent Caroline Hosie admitted a water bill had been sent out but no court action had commenced.

"Miss Needham has been sent two reminder's to pay her bill and action will only take place if the bill is not paid.

"We have experienced problems with our contractors Norwest Holst and we have written a letter to them saying we have been unhappy with the quality of work carried out.

"Repair work is currently underway to tarmac damaged areas and repair the damaged verges we have spoken to Miss Needham."