MORE Matchborough residents have complained after being told to dig up illegal water pipes in their gardens or face a £5,000 fine, writes Matt Smith.

Redditch Council has ordered at least 10 households in Atherstone Close, Cosford Close and Barford Close to take out the pipes and reinstate the original watercourse.

But the problem for Jim and Sheila Aldridge, of Barford Close, is that the pipes run diagonally through their back garden.

Mr and Mrs Aldridge have lived in their house for more than 23 years and were looking forward to moving.

But they fear the removal of the pipes will prompt their house price to plummet.

Mr Aldridge said: "I suppose the first thing to do is seek legal advice because there is no way I would want a stream running through the middle of our garden.

"We haven't had estimates for the work yet so I don't know how much we would have to pay to have the work carried out to take up the pipes."

A Redditch Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the problems people face whose gardens are effected. We are continuing to work closely with the people who are concerned.

"As the land drainage authority we must act to insure that water courses remain open and that obstructions which can lead to flooding are removed.

"If anyone has a problem they can contact Redditch Borough Council on 64252."