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Sewage-flooded garden 'worst it's been in 62 years'

Isabella HollidaySouth of England
News imageBBC An elderly woman in a blue coat, stood to the left of her garden which is partially submerged underwater by the rain. She is stood in front of a brown fence and a row of houses.BBC
Daphne Hayward said the flooding was "not going to go away without something being done"

A great-grandmother who has lived in her Lymington home for 62 years has said flooding in her garden is "the worst it's ever been".

Daphne Hayward, 89, said her garden on Meadow Road has been flooded three times in the last fortnight, mostly with sewage.

She said home was one of five in her road affected by the recent problem, during the second-wettest January recorded in the region since 1836.

Southern Water said it was currently investigating problems on Meadow Road, and working with local partners to support the clean-up.

Daphne said she was proud of her garden, which had taken her years to grow, but the drainage issues had left it "completely ruined".

"It's heart-breaking," she said. "A lot of the plants my husband had grown for me. I'd had them for years, it was a part of him still in my garden and it's gone."

Daphne said flooding was not a problem she or her neighbours had faced until recently, but now her garden filled up "as soon as it rains".

Unable to use her toilet or shower without causing more problems, she has moved out to stay with relatives until the problem is solved.

News imageDaphne Hayward A garden surrounded by purple, white and blue flowers. It is sunny and a pathway leads down the middle.Daphne Hayward
Daphne said she was proud of her garden, which had taken her years to grow

Daphne and her son, Nick Hayward, are calling for Southern Water to find a solution for the five homes on the street that they say have been affected.

Nick said: "It's going to keep doing it, and mum's not going to be able to live here. If the weather gets worse – the less time she'll be able to spend in her own house.

"She'll be driven out by this problem."

Daphne said she hoped to restore her garden to its former condition when the drainage problems were fixed, adding: "It's a big part of my life."

News imageA garden surrounded by a wooden fence, with plants and grass submerged underwater. The garden has a clear greenhouse on the left side and plants scattered in front of the fence. It is raining and the sky is grey.
Daphne said flooding was not a problem she or her neighbours had faced until recently

Southern Water has apologised to those who have experienced "distress and disruption" by flooding in their gardens.

It said: "Our teams are investigating the impact of recent heavy rain on our local network, and will find and fix any problems if found.

"They have visited all households affected and are also working with local partners to support the clean-up."

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