WORKMEN are still battling to repair houses damaged by severe storms more than FIVE months ago. Bolton Council says high winds at Christmas caused so many problems that workmen are still busy throughout Bolton clearing a backlog of complaints. Extra contractors have been taken on to tackle damage including ravaged roofs, toppled chimneys and walls sent crashing by gusts of up to 70mph.

But delays in repairs have led to complaints from council tenants who have faced inconvenience for months as a result.

Richard Warburton, 75, said he was sick of reporting a leak in his roof which had led to water dripping down his walls at his home in Mere Gardens, Halliwell, Bolton.

He said: "I'm fed-up and so are two of my neighbours who are also affected. I think it's a disgrace that I pay my council tax and I've to wait so long for something to happen."

But a council spokesman said that the Christmas gales were so bad the authority was inundated with repair demands on top of everyday requests.

The spokesman added: "We are concerned about the problems Mr Warburton has spoken to us about. The storms caused a lot of damage throughout the borough and we are working as fast as possible to have all the repairs completed."

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