H
omeowners in Castor Park, Allington, Kent, are at their wit's end after spending a staggering $75,000 to fix a faulty sewage pump on their new-build estate. The residents have been plagued by leaks, blockages, and wastewater overspills for over a year, leaving them constantly paranoid about potential health issues.

    The row of nine properties was built in 2018 by Clarendon Homes after plans were approved by Maidstone Council. However, the homeowners claim that since they took ownership, responsibility for maintaining the waste station has fallen to them, rather than Southern Water, the utility company they pay for waste removal.

    As a result, the residents have had to foot the bill for repairs, specialist investigations, and emergency sewage removals, with some households paying up to $385 every four days to have the waste manually disposed of. The situation has become so dire that one resident, Danielle Ross-Davies, has taken on the task of organizing waste tankers and blockage removals.

    The residents are also concerned about the potential health risks posed by the sewage issues, particularly for their children. Preschool teacher Pooja Menon is worried about the dangers of raw sewage on the road and the impact it could have on her six- and three-year-old children.

    A private investigation revealed that the system was flawed, with around 950 feet of pipework being incorrectly laid and improperly backfilled with rocks from the site. However, when the homeowners tried to get this fixed, Integra told them that "communal sewers" aren't included in their policy.

    The residents are frustrated by the lack of answers and resolution to the problem, with some feeling they've been left to deal with the issue on their own. They're also worried about the upcoming construction of new properties opposite the estate, which could exacerbate the situation.