Sponsored by
Plea to resolve smelly problem for Sheffield homeowner
Dave Thomas, of Glen Road, Nether Edge, who has had sewage problems. The smell got so bad inside his home that some nights he slept outside in his tent.
FUMES from leaking sewage have forced a Sheffield homeowner to sleep outside in a tent.
David Thomas, who has lived at the property on Glen Road, Nether Edge, for 21 years, said the problem arose in April, affecting the next-door house owned by Sheffield Council.
But seven months on and despite complaints to the council, Yorkshire Water and Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield, it has still not been fixed. Mr Thomas has now taken the case to the Local Government Ombudsman watchdog and is also complaining to water watchdog OFWAT.
He said: “I have never had this problem before but since it started it has still not been fixed.
“I first complained in May and have made several reports. In good weather I’ve camped outside my home to avoid the fumes.”
Mr Thomas said that in October, contractors carried out work at the neighbouring house after the cellar flooded and a blockage was found in the waste water pipe, which was cleared.
He said: “It was hoped the source of the problem had been found and this work – including the removal of the blockage – would have resolved the issue.”
But the stench has returned, which Mr Thomas believes may be due to recent heavy rain.
He said: “It remains difficult for me to stay in my home without experiencing effects of poor air quality. I haven’t been able to sleep properly and I experience headaches and dizziness.”
A Yorkshire Water spokesman said: “We take any odour issues seriously and are working with Mr Thomas to investigate.
“At this stage, we haven’t found any defects or issues which could be causing any odours. However, we’re investigating further alongside the council.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Selby
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 31 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
