Hole lot of bother for family

A couple's back garden has disappeared into a huge hole after a pipe collapsed for the second time under their land.

David and Susan Hancox, of Westbourne Avenue, Cheslyn Hay, had already spent £250 replacing shrubs, plants and the lawn following the previous collapse in April.

But at the end of last month Mr Hancox came home from work to find a 20ft deep hole where his back garden should be.

Now the couple say they are fed up with the time it is taking to repair the damage.

Lorry driver Mr Hancox said the council told him the repairs would take 10 days. Three weeks on the couple are frustrated by the lack of progress, mess in their garden and the smell from sewage.

Mr Hancox, a 48-year-old father-of-three, said: "It's a lot to put up with and a lot to take, but we're three weeks on and I can't even see a finishing line."

South Staffordshire council spokesman Jamie Angus said recent bad weather had hampered progress but work was under way.