A DAUGHTER has been “shocked” by a housing developer’s lack care following a major pipe leak in her mother’s new build home.

Margaret Owen, 91, of Walnut Close, is having to fork out more than £2,000 to cover damage repairs for her four-year-old property built by David Wilson Homes

Earlier in March, Ms Owen was woken at 4am by her smoke alarm after a pipe came a part and flooded the downstairs floor of her house in Braishfield.

Hampshire Chronicle:

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Daughter Anne Lincoln, who lives across the road, said: “My mum had to climb downstairs in the dark. This is two incidents in a year now, the latest causing major damage. This is unacceptable for a new home.

“My mum hates living there because she’s so terrified. She was really confused and panicked.

“Water went all down the stairwell and into the hallway and downstairs toilet. The carpets were soaked and could have rotted, there was mould everywhere too. We dried it out the best we could.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Anne, 59, said she is “shocked by the flippant attitude” of David Wilson Homes who took “no responsibility” for the burst pipe and Ms Owen was directed to claim off her house insurance.

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Hampshire Chronicle:

A spokesperson for Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton said: “The leak was attended to by the homeowner’s plumber and no evidence has been provided of either poor workmanship or faulty materials.

“As the homeowner has been living in the property for close to four years, the leak occurred significantly beyond the two-year warranty period, and we therefore referred the homeowner to their home insurance provider.”

Plumber Bruce Chapman was called to repair the damage costing £1,600 of the more than £2,000 total from both incidents. Mr Chapman said: “I’m gobsmacked the company hasn’t done anything. This happened a year ago to the same lady."