Keighley residents fear culvert will lead to homes collapse

Heath McDonald said the ongoing issue was causing stress for him and his wife

An overloaded culvert running beneath a row of Victorian houses in West Yorkshire could cause them to collapse unless it is repaired, residents fear.

Heath McDonald, of Halifax Road in Keighley, said he and his neighbours have been in dispute with Bradford Council for four years over the issue.

He said the water, which runs off a nearby road and also from two houses, has eroded a large part of his garden.

Bradford Council said residents are legally responsible for the culvert.

It said it had worked with residents to find a solution to the "blocked/defective watercourse" in the back gardens of the homes on Halifax Road, which was also affecting some on Damems Road.

The culvert carries water from nearby roads but is causing land behind the houses to erode

A spokesman added a diversion to the culvert had been put in place but was not an appropriate solution, and it would carry out land surveys in the area.

Mr McDonald said it was the council's responsibility to put it right as they are the Land Drainage Authority.

He said: "It's extremely stressful, these are our homes and are where we come to relax at the end of the day. Now every time you walk out of your back door you've got to look at this mess.

"It has really affected mine and my wife's mental health and I'm sure it has the other residents as well."

Lillian Deakins, who lives down the road, added: "We can't use our patio, or dry our washing or anything. I'm worn out and frustrated and we want it sorting out."

Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, is backing residents and said he will continue to put pressure on the council to find a solution.

He said: "In my view, Bradford Council have a responsibility to deal with this issue and I am deeply concerned about that. I expect the council to get back on site, speak with these residents and try and find a solution because what is happening at the moment is completely unfair."

Lillian Deakins said the water flows down over her patio, leaving it unusable