Downpipe blocked with concrete! - Who is responsible?

[maddy]

Moved into victorian house, found rainwater down pipe was blocked, traced it's route underground, under boundary wall and pavement where it should discharge into the gutter. Some bright spark who repaired the pavement has filled in the gap between the paving stones (where the downpipe used to exit) with concrete. Phoned Highways dept, they said it was my responsibility so I asked if I could dig up their pavement to repair my property (they weren't impressed). Am I liable to put right damage to my property caused by the council?

[Suggers]

Hi Maddy & welcome,
Are you saying your stormwater discharges outside your property?
Gutter? What gutter?
Always found the Highways dept pretty cool.
Keep nagging - I think they'll try and help you out.

[Dave_L]

Agreed - I think I'd email them some pictures of the problem - try again!

[lutonlagerlout]

i think what she means is that the down pipe when it hits the pavement at the front runs in like a closed channel under the pavement,lot of terraced house round my way are like this because obviously there is no where to dig a soakaway when the house abutts the pavement
i would just get a chisel and cut oout the blockeage and say nothing
the person that blocked it needs shooting
cheers LLL

[maddy]

Thanks for the advice. LLL you are describing the situation perfectly. Will apply to the council's better nature.

[Dave_L]

i think what she means is that the down pipe when it hits the pavement at the front runs in like a closed channel under the pavement,lot of terraced house round my way are like this because obviously there is no where to dig a soakaway when the house abutts the pavement
i would just get a chisel and cut oout the blockeage and say nothing
the person that blocked it needs shooting
cheers LLL

LLL's advice to go at it with a chisel is probably the best option - if you are handy with a chisel, that is!