ANDY Hirst was horrified when a culvert exploded leaving a large crater in his back garden — but he was even more horrified when he was told he would have to pay to fix it.
The house on Sheffield Road, Penistone, was flooded after the drain erupted into his garden, causing thousands of pounds of damage.
Several neighbouring properties were also flooded, and Sheffield Road was blocked by a large pool of water.
Andy said the eruption was caused by a debris blockage after a grate was removed from the culvert's entrance on Green Road.
He said: “If that grate had not been pulled off, this would not have happened.
“I didn't even know that culvert was there until it exploded. It’s not mentioned in the deeds of my house.
“The council, the Environment Agency and the water board all say it’s not theirs. “If it was a seam of gold it'd be someone's then, wouldn't it?”
The council has told Andy that he is responsible for the watercourse because it passes through his land. He added: “It’s like saying if an engine goes on a plane above the house, you’ve to go and mend the bloody plane. It’s crazy.”
