Imagine being hit with a shock £7,000 bill! That’s the harsh reality for homeowners on one street in Pontycymer, Bridgend, who’ve been told they need to foot the bill for a leaky shared water pipe. Residents claim they’ve seen no evidence of a leak, yet the local water company insists repairs must be made on their dime—or face the threat of prosecution.
The villagers say they’re feeling bullied and stressed, without any proof of where the leak even is. Nerys Walters, one of the affected homeowners, said, “It’s been a nightmare situation that’s caused us all a lot of stress. We need evidence first, but they’ve offered nothing. It’s all deadlines and demands, and we’re just regular people trying to sort it out.”
Contractors have quoted the cost of repairs at over £7,000 per household, a hefty sum just to connect a new line from the main to their homes. Insurance isn’t covering it either, as they need proof of the leak, something the residents say they have been unable to get from the water company for over a year.
Eddie Wood, a long-time resident, spoke of sleepless nights worrying about how he could afford such an unexpected expense. “They told us there was a leak, but when we checked, there was nothing in our deeds about responsibility.”
Local councillor Martyn Jones has weighed in, calling the situation distressing. He’s called for the water company to rethink its approach, especially for residents who might not be financially able to cover such costs. “Prosecution should be the last resort,” he said, urging for cooperation and compassion.
Welsh Water, on their part, says they’ve offered to connect to the main line at no charge if residents cover the cost to their homes. They acknowledge the inconvenience but insist the shared pipe is the property owners’ responsibility.
It’s a tense stalemate, with homeowners caught in the middle, looking for answers and fairness. Let’s hope a resolution is found soon for these frustrated residents. What do you think should be done here? 💬⬇️