Couple 'stressed' over hole under their house

A couple who found a hole of water at their home last summer said they have lived with months of problems and anxiety.

Brian and Jane Goodger, who have lived at the council house in Gloucester for 25 years, found water coming up from under the property last June.

Their garden had to be dug up to find the source and it has been left since, which they said was stressful for themselves and their neighbours.

They rent the property from Gloucester City Homes which said: "Unfortunately, there have been delays due to the complexity of the issue and the need to finalise plans and secure a contractor, for which we sincerely apologise."

Lee Duty, director at the housing association, added there was now a "clear way forward" and work would resume next week.

Mrs Goodger said they had to replace the front door because the hinges had moved.

"Obviously, something is going on under our house," she said.

"I was in hospital just after Christmas for my heart and they said the stress of all this didn't help."

Gloucester City Homes said the water came up under the property and then flowed out under the ground into the front garden.

Over time this has eroded a hole about 1ft (0.3m) deep between the house and a neighbouring property, it said.

Mr Goodger added: "It's been annoying. I'm upsetting my neighbours and I don't like doing that.

"We've got two trenches dug in the back. I normally try to keep the garden tidy."

Roger and Sandra Wright, who live next door, said the hole was moving towards their driveway.

"I'm concerned I'll wake up one morning and my car is in a hole," Mr Roger said.

"By all accounts there's a void under there, so I've been told.

"It's most irritating. I feel sorry for Brian and Jane, walking out and seeing it every morning."

Mr Duty said: "We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr and Ms Goodger about the drainage issues at their property and want to reassure all parties that resolving this matter has been a priority for us.

"The source of the water has been challenging to identify.

"We now have a clear way forward, and the next phase of works is scheduled to begin week commencing 27 January."

He added they "understand and deeply regret" the inconvenience caused and appreciated their customers' patience.

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