AT LEAST eight families are back in their homes six months to the day since flooding from a burst pipe ravaged their Cowley street, according to residents.

Fifteen houses and eight flats in Normandy Crescent were flooded on September 24 after a pipe running behind the street erupted for the second time in seven years.

Another 27 houses were cut off from the water supply.

Barbara Greenwood, 80, and husband Ernest, 87, were among the first people to return to Normandy Crescent after almost five months of living in hotels.

She said: “We often sit there and think ‘how did it happen?’, ‘why did it happen?’ and ‘did we have to put up with it all that time?’ “It really was a traumatic time and I hope it does not happen again, but there’s always something at the back of your mind.”


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She said she was unhappy with how Thames Water handled the situation.

Mrs Greenwood added: “It should have been left with the council because they did a marvellous job last time.

“Why on earth did the water board take it on because they were absolutely useless?”

However not everyone is back at home just yet.

It was the second time in seven years pensioner William Hillier and wife June were forced out of their home.

September’s disaster was caused by a crack in a mains pipe.

And the couple, who have been in temporary accommodation since last October, will not be able to go home for at least another week.

Mr Hillier, 86, said: “We had no sense of purpose from anybody. We were left in ignorance. All us people that own our own houses were left to struggle.

“They gave us nothing, no help at all. I don’t think anybody was satisfied with the services they got from the water board and the council.”

Residents were told at a meeting with Thames Water last month that work to replace about 2km of the 24-inch cast iron pipe should be completed by December.

Thames Water spokeswoman Becky Trotman said: “We’ve worked hard to keep residents informed and up to date but are always happy to take feedback on board.”

Oxford City Council did not comment when approached by the Oxford Mail.