Episode Details

Broadcasts live every Wednesday at 7:00p.m. uk time on Radio Soapbox: http://radiosoapbox.com

http://radiosoapbox.com


Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Shelley Tasker Show coming live out of Radio Soapbox. Today's date is Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, and we have a compelling episode lined up for you. Our guest tonight is Mel Sheridan, who has been fighting a significant issue for over 16 years. Mel's story revolves around a persistent problem with the water supply in her hometown of Hayle, Cornwall.

Mel purchased her house in 2002 and initially found everything to be in order. However, by 2006, she noticed the road outside her house was sinking, causing water to pool and damage her property. Despite numerous calls to the council and the water board, the issue was ignored for years, leading to severe structural damage to her home.

In 2009, Southwest Water began a pipe-bursting operation near her house, which exacerbated the problem. Mel describes the ordeal of dealing with both the council and the water board, who continuously passed the responsibility back and forth. Her house began to show significant signs of damage, including cracks and windows that wouldn't shut.

Mel's story highlights the bureaucratic nightmare she faced, including being told by her insurance company that her house was not insured due to a culvert running under her property. Despite her relentless efforts, including contacting local MPs and environmental agencies, the issue remains unresolved.

Mel's fight is not just about her home but also about the broader implications for the town of Hayle. She raises concerns about the integrity of the water supply and the potential health risks for residents. Her story is a powerful testament to the challenges of dealing with large bureaucratic entities and the impact on individuals' lives.