The couple say they were not insured for the damage and have been fighting to get compensation from Devon County Council.

The couple is now suing the city in civil court, with a date set for February.

David Strobel, 76, said if the council had fixed the problem correctly the first time, “none of this would be necessary.”

Mrs. Strobel says she will not give up, describing it as “a matter of justice.”

In a statement, Devon County Council said: “We are unable to comment on individual cases which are subject to ongoing legal proceedings.”