FLOOD victims whose homes were swamped with raw sewage have won a £200,000 compensation battle.

Five households in Merton Grove, Astley sued North West Water Authority for the drop in value of their £50,000 homes caused by flooding six years ago. Now they have been awarded £40,000 each in an out of court settlement.

An Order by Consent, made at Wigan District registry means NWWA will pay compensation.

A glance back through Journal records shows flood problems in the quiet cul-de-sac date back to the 1970s.

In the 15 years they have lived at number 7, Gloria and Malcolm Boardman have been flooded regularly.

Worst years for them were 1987, 1993 and 1997.

Mrs Boardman told The Journal: "We also had a mini-flood in 1992 but I understand they had boats in the street back in the 70s.

"In 1993 my husband, myself and our three sons Mark, Darren and Gary plus our Rottweiler lived in a caravan in the garden for 26 weeks because of the floods.

"We have had two feet of raw sewage flooding through the house and our dog nearly died because it picked up an infection.

"The smell of the sewage was horrible and we needed new floors, carpets, furniture and walls replastering.

"Whenever there's a downpour we're worried. I hate rain.

"In 1993 water couldn't get away from the pumping station and backed up through the sewers straight into our gardens and homes. We were devastated."

Mrs Boardman said a separate action would be brought against NWWA for the 1997 flooding but they were not looking to move house.

She said:"We like it here. It's time this problem was sorted so we can enjoy it to the full."

North West Water says it has done certain work at Astley Pumping Station which would prevent future flooding on the scale of the 1993 disaster.

Keith Freer, a solicitor with Widdows Mason who acted on behalf of the families, said: "It is a pity that NWWA have taken so long to resolve what is a simple issue.

"Until the residents can be reassured that further flooding won't occur the fight goes on."

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