Manor floods as expansion plan unveiled

Parts of Wolverhampton's Wightwick Manor have been flooded after its water tanks burst for the second time in a matter of weeks. The accident has damaged the reception and bookshop.

The flooding comes as it was revealed Wightwick is to be rebranded and given a new car park and reception.

The full water tank burst on Wednesday, just weeks after doing so on January 9, and the damage is expected to run into hundreds of pounds as the ceiling is sodden, books waterlogged and till ruined.

House steward Helen Bratt-Wyton said today: "We will have to wait for it to dry out before we know the full extent of the damage."

The rebrand will see the Victorian mansion known as Wightwick Manor and Gardens to ensure the 17 acres of land are not overshadowed by the property.

It is hoped the name change will bring in more gardening enthusiasts and all of Wightwick's publicity material is now being altered.

Staff also revealed a new double car park featuring a reception is to be built and will be completed in the summer.

Visitor services manager Patrick Vasey said: "This will be superb for us. Visitors will be able to visit the reception and then walk up through the gardens to the south side of the house, which really has the wow factor. As things stand at the moment, some people miss this view and that really is a shame."