Home flooded twice in two years

By Jonathan Swingler BBC Tees

Many of the family's personal possessions were destroyed

A Teesside family may have to spend two years in temporary accommodation after their home was flooded for the second time in as many years.

Anna and Phil Taylor's home in Redcar was devastated when heavy rain in July caused widespread flooding.

The couple had only recently moved back in after their house flooded in August 2008.

They say they only found out about the property's long history of flooding after they moved in.

Wedding celebration washed out

When buying the house, the Taylors say they were never made aware that it had previously been affected by flooding.

That book is totally ruined. The flies coming off it and the smell is not pleasant. All photos that are close to our hearts Phil Taylor

They have since spoken to neighbours who say the home was known to flood once every two years.

The couple estimate £80,000 was spent repairing and renovating the house after the 2008 flooding, which happened shortly before their planned wedding reception in the garden.

On that occasion, a stay in a hotel was the first port of call, soon followed by a move into rented accommodation in Saltburn.

Sandbags stolen

The heavy rain on Friday, July 17 has put them back to square one. They may now have to wait up to two years before they can live in the house again.

Anna said it has been a difficult time for her four children. "The little little ones have coped great. Our older two are 19 and 17. They're severely disabled. They have struggled the most."

Steping into the home, the damage is immediately visible. There is water damage along the walls and the flooring, kitchen tiles and heated flooring in the conservatory the Taylors had put in have all been damaged or destroyed.

Phil said six inches of raw sewage entered the home. He had been given 30 local council sand bags to stop the flood, but many were stolen by passing motorists.

Flicking through an album with old press cuttings and family photos, he said: "That book is totally ruined. The flies coming off it and the smell is not pleasant. All photos that are close to our hearts."