Published: Saturday, 22nd November, 2008 12:30pm

OAP's 30-year sewage nightmare

by Claire Amber Young

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AN elderly Port Glasgow man who has had a faulty drain in his garden for over 30 years fears it is now becoming a health hazard.

Michael Reilly, 67, from Bardrainney Avenue in Port Glasgow, said people are being forced to walk onto the busy road to avoid the mess.

He told the Tele: 'It"s very busy here and buses are always passing by. What if some young wean walks out on to the road to avoid it and is hit by a bus?

'It"s really getting me down.'

Michael says there has been problems with the drainage for over 30 years.

The pensioner, who suffers from asbestosis and angina, contacted Scottish Water, Inverclyde Council and River Clyde Homes and has had work done - but to no avail.

Michael said: 'Every time I flush the toilet, it bubbles up around the drain and leaks further out onto the road.

'Scottish Water have been out a number of times, the last time about a month ago. They always just put a rod down the hole, hose it all down and then just sweep the dirt back into the drain. It just builds up and I have to contact them again.'

Alison McFerren, secretary of Bardrainney Tenants" and Residents" Association, said: 'It is a disgrace that a pensioner has to live in these conditions.

'People have to walk onto the road to avoid it - it"s an accident waiting to happen.'

Michael, who has lived in Bardrainney Avenue for 38 years, fears he may have to move if the problem continues.

He said: 'People walk past the house and look in at me, as if to say "what kind of person lives there?"

'I love this area. It"s a great wee avenue.

'I don"t want to have to move because of this.'

A Scottish Water spokesman said: 'Scottish Water engineers have cleared three blockages this year.

'We have attended and cleared these blockages immediately and efficiently each time, cleaning up the affected area.

'It will now be necessary for us to investigate this matter further.

'We will liaise closely with the customer throughout and keep him updated on our progress.'

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