A Bradford family was left without water after a pipe burst - despite the home undergoing 16 weeks of renovation.

David and Maureen Bradbury, their daughter Lynn and two grandsons were unable to shower and had to refill their toilet with water from the kitchen after every use.

Royds Community Association moved them into temporary accommodation from their home in Bishopdale Holme, Buttershaw before Christmas while renovation work was carried out.

But within weeks of moving back water was gushing through their kitchen ceiling. The couple contacted Royds who told them nobody would be able to visit the house until three days later because it was a weekend.

Bradford Council housing department sent out an emergency team to turn off the water supply, but they told them nobody would be able to fix it for three days.

Maureen, 47, who suffers from arthritis, said: "We couldn't believe it. My kitchen has got a mark on the ceiling and the water has gone through the fluorescent light.

"They are going to have to lift the floorboards to sort out the damage and move out the shower. It's so much hassle."

The family spent Christmas in another house while new windows and doors were put into their own home, the rooms was redecorated and central heating was installed.

"We finally thought that all of our problems were over and then this happened," Maureen added.

Peter Eccles, chairman of Royds Community Association, said the family had been moved out for just 11 weeks while the refurbishment took place. He also said there was no record of the Bradbury's contacting them on Friday about the leak.

"If they had got in touch with us or the contractors - whose number is provided in a booklet given to everyone for emergencies - we would have gone out to the problem straight away."

According to Mr Eccles the problem was a burst pipe in an old shower unit which was nothing to do with the Royds refurbishment.

"I have spoken to a Bradford Council housing officer who has agreed to pay for the work which will be carried out by our contractors, Bramalls."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "The shower could not be repaired straight away because the plumber wasn't sure whether the special flooring needed lifting and he didn't want to damage it."

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