A family waited so long for their water company to fix a leaking pipe they dug a trench in their garden to divert the flow.

Michelle Nichols has said that Affinity Water have failed to turn up to three scheduled appointments over four weeks while a pipe continues to leak water into her garden.

The leak was first reported after a damp patch was spotted by the house in Nascot Wood on June 27. 

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Michelle Nichols, who lives with her two daughters, says one technician could not find the leak because they went to the wrong address.

Watford Observer: The trench in the gardenThe trench in the garden

And after establishing there was a leak, a visit was cancelled on July 19 due to extreme heat, then on July 26 planned work did not take place again.

Fearing damage to their house, the family diverted the leaking water with a trench through the garden.

Michelle, 46, said: “This is just not ok. It’s taken so long. It is a customer service and environmental health issue.

Watford Observer: The leak spreading through the gardenThe leak spreading through the garden

“I have had to dig up my garden to create a dam, it has now caused so much damage to my property.

“If I hadn’t it would have already reached and damaged the foundations of the house.”

Watford Observer: The impact of the leak. Picture: Michelle NicholsThe impact of the leak. Picture: Michelle Nichols

“They stated in one message ‘they are doing the works as a good will gesture’ despite the fact that on July 8 the technician stated that it was their responsibility.”

Michelle’s daughter, 17, called the response from Affinity Water “diabolical”.

Since being asked for comment, Affinity Water has now said it will be visiting the property to undertake necessary repairs this morning (Saturday, July 30).

A spokesperson for Affinity Water said: “Over the recent very hot weather and very high demand for water period we did have to cancel some planned appointments with Mrs Nichols at short notice due to emergency incidents on our water network that needed the most urgent attention to make sure customers weren’t without water.

Watford Observer: The leak on garden stairsThe leak on garden stairs

“We’re very sorry we’ve let Mrs Nichols down by not attending to this quickly and for any distress and disruption caused by this water leak.”

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