Business remains closed after sewer collapse

A salon owner given just two hours to evacuate his family home and business after a collapsed sewer has expressed his frustration after he was told he will not be able to return before Christmas.

Marcello Marino, from Ramsgate, Kent, had to leave his home and work place after the building was declared unsafe in October.

He claimed Southern Water has been too slow in carrying out repairs.

The company has apologised for the "disruption and distress" and said "the safety of its customers was paramount".

Mr Marino, who has been at the property for 30 years, said: "I've lost my business and my home.

"I've got three children and a nine-month-old baby.

"It's just very, very stressful."

Mr Marino said he had been reporting leakages around the salon to Southern Water for more than a year.

Southern Water said it would continue to pay for temporary accommodation and for loss of earnings.

The company told Mr Marino it now believes the sewer is privately owned, but it will continue with the work.

A Southern Water spokesman said: "Our teams have carried out a much larger body of work than was originally estimated.

"We’re pleased to say that the repair to the sewer is now complete and the property made safe.

“However, there is further work to do."

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