RESIDENTS living in an historic Teignmouth street feel it has become an ‘abandoned building site’ as work continues to deal with flooding issues.

Town councillors are now being asked to demand South West Water deals with the problems in French Street.

Cllr David Cox, who is raising the issue with fellow town councillors, said: ‘It is questionable if the street has been in a more poor state of repair since 1690 when the French burnt the street.’

Residents are dealing with rats and dangerous raised paving stones.

Properties are also having to put sandbags put outside doors.

And there are even tomato plants growing through the gaps in the paving.

South West Water is responsible for the drainage situation in French Street.

Cllr Cox added: ‘Whilst I welcome the fact that South West Water have apologised to residents and now made the situation a ‘priority’ after a year of inactivity.

‘Nevertheless I am dismayed to see from the Highways Engineer’s report, that seemly SWW are still not making arrangements to help the people of French Street.

‘If they know flooding is likely again they really should assist residents with flood barriers to stop their homes being flooded. They also need to help deal with the with the rat problem.’

One resident told the Teignmouth Post: ‘It’s all a complete joke.

‘I wonder what would happen if we withheld from paying our water and sewerage bills.

‘I’m sure they would soon be on our case. They need to prioritise French Street and sort this out first so we don’t have our homes flooded again.

‘I’m so annoyed.’

He explained that Article 8 of the Human Rights Act gives a right to respect family life.

And he said it has been shown that if a water authority failed to take appropriate steps to prevent flooding, this right is breached.

A South West Water spokesman said: ‘This is a priority for us and our teams have been out in the community and will continue weekly to investigate.

‘While the repair is complex and has required extensive investigation and works, we are committed to provide a permanent fix for the community and keep them updated as work continues.’

Teign Heritage Centre is looking to carry out rennovations on the building but has had to put it off until the repairs are concluded as scaffolding cannot be erectced.

Cllr Cox has also suggested there may be a breach of contract by SWW and residents may be entitled to compensation.

He is urging fellow councillors to agree to write to SWW to object at the time it is taking to deal with the drainage issue and provide compensation for its residents.

He has even gone as far as to ask the town council to look into taking civil legal action on behalf of the residents.

Town councillors will be discussing the issue next week.