AN East Renfrewshire pensioner is fighting a council over the uplift of what he claims are sewage-damaged items after a pipe “exploded” in his garden.

Robert Darroch, 74, said debris has been left lying in his garden for months and he believes East Renfrewshire Council should collect it.

He says he would be charged £75 for the uplift and is refusing to pay.

The pensioner, who is registered disabled, said he thought a bomb had gone off outside his home when the incident happened last November.

He added: “My wife and I were sitting in the living room when there was this almighty bang from outside.

“When I went outside, you should have seen the scene I opened the back door to.

“There was sewage everywhere. Two of my sheds and the neighbour’s fence were also destroyed because of the explosion.”

“The mess was unreal –raw sewage was halfway up the walls of the house.”

“After it happened I just though to myself ‘enough was enough’ that was the last straw.”

Mr Darroch, of Hill Drive, Eaglesham, also claims he has had problems with damp in his home for several years.

He said: “The manhole exploding was it for me, and I even contacted my lawyers.“I want the council to sort the problems that my wife Marion and I have been left to deal with over the years.”

Mr Darroch, who has diabetes and a twisted spine, lives with his 70-year-old wife Marion, who is wheelchair bound.

After the sewage explosion, the grandfather-of-four attempted to clean up as much as he could. He said contractors also came out to repair the damaged manhole.

Six months later, shed debris, as well as some destroyed decking, remains in the back garden, which the council is charging £75 to pick up.

He added: “I’m not paying that – the council should be doing it free of charge, in my view.

“My sons and I cleaned up the area as best we could but there is obviously still a health hazard.

“I’ve spent a fortune on disinfectant and I’m not willing to spend any more for something that was not my fault of me or my wife.”

“I’ve spent money on new sheds and a new fence for my neighbour as well and I can’t afford to keep up with all the problems. The council need to come and sort this out.”

The council, however, said it has offered advice to Mr Darroch and there is no evidence of sewage in the back garden.

A spokeswoman added: “We are aware of this matter and have previously visited the property to inspect the garden area.

“Our environmental health officers found no evidence of any sewage within the garden, so no health risk exists. We have also advised Mr Darroch on a number of occasions in relation to ensuring proper air circulation within his property.”