Sewage backs up through toilet wrecking Allan Insley’s Orbit bungalow in Alcester.
AN Orbit resident has told of his misery after living with a smelly and blocked sewer for years which recently erupted, spewing fecal matter and foul water into his home.
Allan Insley, 60, suffers from epilepsy and early dementia, and lives in sheltered housing in Alcester.
“For over three years the drains have been a problem despite Orbit regularly coming to fix them,” said Allan, who lives in a bungalow with a warden on site.
“About a month ago, all the sewage rose up from the drains through the toilet and flooded everywhere.”
Allan was distraught by the damaged caused by the flood of sewage. It meant he and his beloved labrador Wallace had to move out to the community centre nearby while he cleaned up.
“Everything in the bungalow stank of sewage, including the curtains and sofa, and it all had to be washed,” said Allan. “I had to use the shower at the community centre and eat takeaway meals there.”
Allan is frustrated by Orbit’s slow reaction and its lack of empathy.
“It’s been weeks and nothing has happened. Orbit also said they would only offer a contribution for my new hallway flooring – which cost me £330 and was only laid recently. It had to be ripped up as the sewage got underneath it all.
“Orbit offered no other costs despite me having to move out.”
Allan turned to the Herald after Orbit’s half-hearted response.
“I love living here and I just want it sorted,” said Allan.
In response to the Herald’s enquiries an Orbit spokesperson said: “We’ve been working with Mr Insley to fully resolve the issue as soon as possible and appreciate his continued patience and understanding.
“A CCTV drain survey has been undertaken, and we’ve completed related drain repair work. However, the survey also identified a number of repairs which are needed on a shared drain line and Severn Trent have been notified to enable them to carry out the necessary work.
“An environmental clean of Mr Insley’s bathroom has been completed and we are due to install new flooring in early July. In the meantime, the bathroom in our guest room at Jubilee Court has been allocated for Mr Insley’s use.”
Allan was not impressed by Orbit’s response.
He said: “They only deep cleaned the bathroom, and they say they can’t do the flooring until 4th July. I’ve called them numerous times to report problems with the drains and other things – they often don’t turn up; then you have to keep pestering them.
“There are people around here a lot older than me who need help, and they are often ignored. Orbit don’t appear to care.”
Allan said without his dog Wallace he would despair. “I’ve had him since he was a puppy and he’s 11 now. I suffer from mental health and he keeps me going.”
