A FAMILY from Melksham has had a ‘New Year from hell’ after 300 litres of water spilled into their flat from a burst kitchen pipe.

Tracey Perry, 28, Scott Holland, 30, and their four-year-old daughter Scarlett, have been living without hot water, heating and electricity in their kitchen since last Monday.

After ringing Jephson Housing Association Group, which owns the flat in Foundry Close, asking for help, the couple are frustrated they are being left to live with damp and mould, especially as Miss Perry is four months pregnant.

She said: “We have not been given temporary accommodation and we have nowhere to go. We are expected to stay in the flat. The floor is going mouldy from damp where it cannot dry out and we have to use camping heaters.

“It was a burst pipe, but we couldn’t find the stopcock because it was twisted round. We rang the 24-hour emergency helpline and they said they would get back but they never did.

“We are really disappointed and we have a young child. We feel this is unacceptable and we’ve had a New Year from hell.”

The couple’s carpet, floorboards and appliances have been ruined and their neighbour below has had to move out with her two children as the force of the water cracked the ceiling and blew the electrics.

This week a Jephson spokesman apologised saying: “Because it happened over the holiday, a sub-contractor we don’t normally use was sent and fell below our usually excellent standards.

“Our own contractor visited on January, 2, to ensure the power and water supplies had been properly restored. They are also visiting again today (Wednesday) to follow up and assess damage. We are liaising with Ms Perry to bring the incident to a successful conclusion.”