An elderly couple are appalled after discovering work to fix a broken culvert under their home has been delayed yet again.

Pensioners Terry and Dilys Cale, of Upper Road, Kennington, said they had suffered years of stress and uncertainty since the discovery of the broken culvert under an extension to their house.

Their garden and neighbouring properties have flooded several times because of the problem.

Thames Water pledged to fix the culvert nearly three years ago, but planning delays have continually pushed back the project.

Work was due to be carried out last October, but it was delayed until January.

It is now not expected to start until Monday, February 16.

Mrs Cale, 74, whose husband is disabled, said: “I’m absolutely appalled.

“We keep getting ourselves psyched up, but it never happens. The last three years have been a roller coaster ride for us.”

Thames Water spokesman Becky Johnson apologised for the latest delay.

She said: “As the cracked sewer runs directly beneath the extension, it is not possible for us carry out a repair.

“Our only option is to move it, which is both complicated and expensive.

“Unfortunately, planning the work has taken longer than we would have liked, as we have had to undertake a number of surveys to determine the most suitable route for the new sewer, while ensuring disruption is kept to a minimum.

“Although we have now found the best solution, further delay has occurred, as we have had to renegotiate the main contract for the work to reduce costs.

“The work is now scheduled to take place this month.

“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused as a result of the delay. All local residents have been notified.”

Thames Water has also pledged to build new sewers to protect 21 homes in Cherry Close, Kidlington, which have suffered from flooding during heavy rainfall.

The £1.4m project will also see a nearby pumping station upgraded.

Project manager Peter Taylor said: “Residents in Cherry Close have suffered from the misery of sewer flooding for many years. The impacts of climate change, population growth and development are putting increasing pressure on the sewer network.

“Our scheme will help protect these residents from flooding and give them peace of mind at times of heavy rainfall.”

Work is scheduled for completion in June.

Thames Water is currently investing £320m on sewer flooding alleviation schemes to help protect 10,000 properties by the end of 2010.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk