Families say they are “living in hell” as a giant 4ft sinkhole has caused chaos on their estate for two years.
They say the only road onto it has been shut which means more than 50 residents have to fight for just five parking spaces on a nearby street.
Neighbours claim ambulances can’t reach them and house prices have dropped, StokeonTrentLive reports.
Residents of the estate in Etruria, in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, are demanding action to finally repair it.
But Stoke-on-Trent City Council and developer Redrow remain in dispute over it.
Sridhar Madadi, 47, said: “We park on Etruscan Street and the cars are heavily smashed by the trucks.
"They put up street lights but it doesn't help.
“Neither the council or Redrow is taking responsibility and we are suffering. It’s affecting our daily lives.
“It makes it difficult for the fire service, bin collections and bringing our shopping in. We can’t refurbish our house and stuff like that.
"We are living in hell.
“Our mental health is affected by this. We would like to get the hole fixed and get this road open to the public and bring our lives back.
Donald and Melania Trump trolled as ex-president takes flight in downgraded private jet
“House prices have dropped due to this issue and we can’t sell and relocate.”
John Newitt, 39, said: “I’ve had my work van broken into and damaged. I’ve had stuff stolen off my van.
“When my step-daughter was living with us she was pregnant and we had to rush her to hospital because the ambulance couldn't get to us.
"I’ve got a vehicle stuck on my drive – and I can’t get it off. I am paying storage on a caravan because I can’t get it back on my drive.
Nostradamus predicts Queen's death will end Royal family in shocking prophecy
“It costs us more in car insurance because we are not parking on our drives and it has devalued all the properties.
“Nobody is admitting liability. Both Redrow and the council are saying they are not responsible.”
Redrow Midlands technical director Mark Marsh said: “We understand that the problems relate to defects with the long-term maintenance of the current drainage system.
Get latest news headlines delivered free
Want all the latest shocking news and views from all over the world straight into your inbox?
We've got the best royal scoops, crime dramas and breaking stories – all delivered in that Daily Star style you love.
Our great newsletters will give you all you need to know, from hard news to that bit of glamour you need every day. They'll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
You can sign up here – you won't regret it…
“The road and drainage were adopted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Severn Trent Water respectively a number of years ago, before the issues first arose, and we have encouraged residents to raise their concerns to them.”
A council spokesman said: “Our primary concern is still the safety of the public and that is why we had to make the difficult decision to close the road to traffic.
“Until the unstable land, which is in the legal ownership of others, is brought to a satisfactory condition we will not be able to repair the highway and reopen the road.
“We are continuing to seek a resolution with the owner of the land impacting the highway. We understand it is a difficult situation for residents as we work through this.”
Source: Read Full Article