Couple elated after seven-year battle with council

A couple from Braunton said they were "absolutely elated" to win a seven-year compensation battle with Devon County Council.

David and Anne Strobel took the council to court and claimed it took the local authority three years to repair a broken drain pipe, which they said caused £35,000 worth of damage to their property.

The couple said the council refused to give them compensation as it claimed the pipe did not belong to the local authority.

Devon County Council said it was "disappointed" the judge did not accept its position and the decision to go to court was "not taken lightly".

Anne Strobel said the council was first called to repair the pipe in 2018.

She said because the pipe was "old and fragile" it continued to break.

The local authority fixed it a further two times before it said the pipe did not belong to the council.

Mr and Mrs Strobel, 77 and 71, who were not insured for the damage, had attempted to receive compensation from Devon County Council for seven years.

Following a three-day civil case in Exeter's County Court, Recorder Richard Paige ordered the council to pay the couple damages and legal fees.

So far the council has paid the couple £99,585.94, but lawyers are still negotiating over final costs.

The couple said their legal bill was in excess of £100,000.

The pair said it had taken an emotional toll on them but said they would now be able to start to enjoy their retirement.

In a statement, a Devon County Council spokesperson said: "The decision to defend a claim through to court is not taken lightly and we only do so where the council, our insurers and legal advisors feel it's the appropriate course of action.

"While we're disappointed the judge did not accept our position, we accept the judge's findings."

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