DAMAGE caused by drain water is being tackled in a £2.5million repair project at council homes across the city.

The investment by City of York Council in 200 of its homes is underway to repair damage done by drain water which can build up on poorly-drained clay soil, present in some areas of York.

Under some of the older houses rainwater can build up in the space beneath the timber floors. If this water does not drain it can, in the worst cases, damage the floor and walls.

Each affected home is individually surveyed, and works to resolve the symptoms and underlying causes of the standing water are agreed with each household.

Work has been completed on 24 houses which needed the most urgent attention and nine are currently being worked on by contractor Tolent.

Temporary accommodation is available if work is expected to be very disruptive and if the tenant does not have anywhere else to stay.

Work could include repairing damp proof courses, improving drainage, renewing plasterwork and timbers and, in the worst cases, fitting sump pumps in the space beneath the floorboards.

Brenda Thorpe, a tenant at Byland Avenue for 19 years , said: “Our move to temporary accommodation couldn’t have been managed better. I was kept up to date with all the work being done such as fitting a sump pump under the front room, new plaster and all new joinery.

“We’re delighted to be back. My kitchen has been replaced, it seems bigger now and I spend even more time in it.”

Tom Brittain, assistant director of housing and community safety at City of York Council, said they were making “a significant investment” in keeping the housing stock in good condition.