A BLACKBURN resident has reached the end of his patience with the council after putting up with foul-smelling sewage water leaking onto land at the back of his bungalow since he moved there in 2005.

Ian Walker, 58, and his wife Dilys, 47, of Holmbrook Close, Higher Croft, said they had made repeated requests to Blackburn with Darwen Council to clean up a mound of earth on wasteland, where they say the rotten water is coming from.

They are tenants of Twin Valley Homes, but the land is owned by the council.

Mr Walker said: “Every year I’ve spoken to the authorities about this problem, but nothing has been done.

“They need to clear this whole area up and remove the mound.

“I’ve been told the problem is due to a manhole under the ground which was covered over when the buildings that used to be on the site were demolished eight years ago.

“We have two dogs and when my wife takes them for a walk they bring the slime into our home with them.

“This is staining our furniture with green paw prints and it’s not acceptable.”

Executive member for regeneration and environment Alan Cottam confirmed the complaint was being looked into.

He said: “We have investigated the problem. We are currently working with Mr Walker to determine the source of the water and find the best solution to remedy the situation.”

The former heavy goods vehicle driver had to take early retirement due to emphysema and angina 10 years ago and he believes the waste is making his condition worse.

He said: “Fresh air is important for making my life easier as I struggle breathing. When I smell the sewage, I start to heave and this can’t be good for my lungs.

“I’ve asked Twin Valley Homes to move me to another property, but I’m still stuck here with the smell.”

Ian Bell, head of housing for the organisation, explained this can be a long process due to a building short-age.

He said: “Mr Walker has been a member of B-with-us, our choice-based lettings service since early 2006 and he has made expressions of interest for vacant homes.

“At the present time, though, we have fewer and fewer available for rent and those that have become vacant recently in Mr Walker’s preferred areas have been let to applicants who have been members of the lettings scheme for at least six years.”