A SUTTON Scotney man has said the constant draining of a pumping station just metres from their house is ruining his disabled stepson’s quality of life.

Wayne Cronk and his family moved from Cornwall two years ago to be able to get the best healthcare for nine-year-old Leon.

Leon was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition in which the cerebellum is smaller than usual or not completely developed.

The condition has meant he has issues with mobility and is unable to walk unassisted, but Leon loves being on his trampoline where he is able to jump and fall without hurting himself.

But over the last two years the family’s enjoyment of their Saddlers Close garden has been plighted, with lorries coming up to 10 times a day to empty a nearby water pump.

“Leon had got so more much, his life had improved [when we moved here] until it was so much for a small water pump that was there and it was we have to put a massive storage pump behind your house.

“They told it us it was temporary; we weren’t given any choice in the matter then they installed the bigger tank.”

The pump has become affectionately known by the family as Thomas the Tank Engine, due to its size and colour.

Despite its pet name, Wayne says each time the water is collected he has to get his family inside.

“Each time it is emptied it is quite noisy and smelly.”

The 46-year-old said that he has to clean Leon’s play equipment and his hot tub for his hydrotherapy as he is concerned about the particles potentially coming from the pump when emptied.

“He [Leon] touches everything and he is easily more vulnerable than most people.”

Wayne says Southern Water, which owns the pump, once came out to assess the situation but he believes this was not done properly.

He has been in contact with Southern Water, on a number of occasions, but the situation is still ongoing.

“They have turned what was a fantastic move into a little bit of a nightmare,” he added.

Southern Water spokesperson Lewis Brown said: "We’re very sorry to hear about the inconvenience experienced by this customer at Saddlers Close in Sutton Scotney.

"The sludge storage tank referred to was installed in this area to help deal with an increase in wastewater flows, and has been in place since the end of last year.

"This involves tankering from this storage tank several times a day. All of our operations have been agreed with the Environment Agency, who we report into on a regular basis.

"We have previously written to customers about the nature of our works in the area, last year and on June 5, and are currently investigating long-term solutions.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by our works."