A WHITCHURCH resident has aired his frustration at the blocked-up drains under his house, which are causing flooding and depositing mud whenever it rains heavily.

Tim O’Keeffe, of Alport Road, lives directly opposite the entrance to a new 90-home estate, for which construction began in 2020.

But because the entrance is on a downward slope facing Mr O’Keeffe’s home, water that runs off the site has proved too much for a drain on his drive which is backing up and overflowing in bad weather.

This then leaves behind a layer of mud along every path around Mr O’Keeffe’s house.

Mr O’Keeffe says he did not know about the culvert under his house until the first time it flooded.

He says he does not object to the development, and does not hold the developer responsible for the problems – instead calling on the council to take action to sort the drains out.

“Before they started construction there was a mound of earth which absorbed all the water,” he said.

“I’ve lived in this property for years with no problems, never had an issue with flooding.

“The water is coming from a hole and on Saturday it was up to the front door step.

“The first time it happened I found water jetting up and I discovered there was a culvert that led to the drainage grid outside the property.

“Shropshire Council did come out and apparently the pipe continues through my land and the neighbours’ land into a brook.

“It should just be rainwater, but all of the mud off the site is running into the grid.

“Every time we get a downpour it happens.”

Mr O’Keeffe has raised the issue with Shropshire Council, to whom the drainage belongs, but says he has had no luck addressing the issue.

“All this mud is blocking the pipes but the builders say they can’t touch the pipes as they are Shropshire Council’s, but they won’t answer calls,” he added.

“All they do is give you a reference number and say they will call but they never do,” he added.

“The site is running for the next three years and we’re going to get this every day.”

“Shropshire Council said I can’t unblock the pipes myself but they won’t help me.”

Mr O’Keeffe is now considering taking legal action because of the potential damage being done to his property.

“I’m thinking of getting a solicitor for all the damage it’s doing to my house,” added Mr O’Keeffe.

“All I want to do is get the problem solved,” he added.

“I’ve said there is an easy solution. I’ve even offered to build my own pipeline in a better place.”

Shropshire Council and the developer have been approached for comment by The Whitchurch Herald.