MP slams water firm over 'leaks' victim

Denis MacShane, who spoke in an adjournment debate in Parliament to highlight the case of George Georgiou, said the utility company's conduct has been "unfair" and "not acceptable".

Mr Georgiou, who moved to Rotherham in 2007, claims the water flowing into his basement at Simply George's fish and chip shop, in Foljambe Road, over the past three years is coming from a damaged mains and is the responsibility of the water company. Yorkshire Water, however, disputes that and says the water coming into the building is nothing to do with the company.

Mr Georgiou, 51, has a pump running in his basement to try and prevent more flooding and is now reluctant to leave his home above the shop in case it breaks down, Mr MacShane said.

"He installed a pump as if it were a ship of Nelson's time that continually needs pumping. Yorkshire Water has a statutory duty to repair leaks but instead come up with excuse after excuse to say that it is nothing to do with them. For nearly three years he has asked Yorkshire Water to accept their responsibilities."

The MP highlighted a report by regulator Ofwat which found Yorkshire Water had the worst leakage of all 21 water companies in England and Wales, the equivalent of losing more than 120 Olympic swimming pools of water a day.

He added: "I've never come across such a striking example of the mistreatment of an individual."

Yorkshire Water said it would not comment on Mr Georgiou's case for legal reasons.