A COUPLE are demanding to move house after being flooded four times in as many years.

David Sumner, 71, who has suffered from heart failure, lives with wife Margaret, 68, who has diabetes and arthritis.

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The pair, who have three children and three grandchildren, were devastated when their apartment on Birch Hall Avenue flooded for the fourth time on Boxing Day.

The pensioners lost 'everything' and were forced to move out for four months in 2012 due to the deluge in the town.

Mr Sumner, who said the total damage had cost around £20,000, said he was put on a waiting list by Twin Valley Homes a fortnight ago for a move but said the retired community care workers needed urgent help.

Mr Sumner, who worked at Calderstones during his career, said: "The flooding we have had has been a major problem.

"We are both disabled and it's absolutely disgusting that we have just been made to wait for a move. I thought they would at least try to push us up the list.

"I cannot live my life like this and my wife is extremely poorly. She gets so upset every time I talk about this.

"We've had to put sandbags down at the kitchen door and front door recently and back in 2012 we lost all our furniture and all our floors.

"The damage wasn't so bad on Boxing Day but the water did fill our back garden and started getting in and I dare not open the door to our shed in the back yard. I really think we should be listed as a priority."

Mr Sumner said the problem was caused by a culvert overflowing.

Ian Bell, head of Twin Valley Homes, said staff were doing their best to ensure the Sumner's would be able to stay in their home comfortably.

He said: “We are aware of this issue and we’ve tried to put some interim measures in place to alleviate the matter.

“The problem stems from a culvert on private property behind their home.

“We were able to provide sand bags that prevented serious flooding after the heavy rainfall on Boxing Day and we have ordered a flood defence barrier to help to avoid further problems should the severe weather returns.

“Our local neighbourhood officer is keeping in contact with Mr and Mrs Sumner and will assist them to stay in their home.”