BIGGIN HILL: Six month wait for flood family

3:00pm Monday 12th January 2009

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HOLIDAYMAKERS who returned home to find their house flooded after pipes burst face a six month wait before they can move back in.

The family of four is waiting to be rehoused by their insurers because the property in Spring Gardens, Biggin Hill, is too water damaged to live in.

When the flood was discovered by neighbours on Saturday (January 10) water was pouring from the light fittings and down the walls on to the floor.

Firefighters were called to the scene by neighbours at 4pm who feared the water damage was going to lead to a wall collapsing.

This did not happen but the crew stayed on the scene for around an hour to isolate the water supply and deal with the incident.

The kitchen ceiling is now on the floor and every room apart from the dining room and a bedroom has been damaged.

Wooden flooring will need replacing throughout the house and the walls will need repapering.

A neighbour called the family while they were on their way to the airport in Florida to warn them about what happened.

Speaking to the News Shopper at a neighbour’s house, the mother said: “It was quite devastating.

“I have not thought about how much it is going to cost.”

The heating was on during the family’s holiday and the pipes were insulated so they do not understand how the water froze.

But the mother is glad everyone is okay.

She added: “My three most precious things were with me – my two children and my husband.

“Your house can be rebuilt but your family cannot so we are alright.”