'I just want safe streets': Leeds man calls for urgent action after recurring water leaks leave pavements icy
A Leeds resident has raised concerns after a series of persistent water leaks left pavements icy and dangerous for several weeks, with calls for more urgency from Yorkshire Water.
Ben Dingwall, who reported the most recent water leak on Kirk Lane in Yeadon in November last year, told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he had reported several leaks to the company over the past months.
He said: “This is the third leak in the local area. The constant water flow built up a sheet of ice on the pavement and the road during the recent cold snap. I slipped on it and reported it, but the problem kept recurring.”
Ben said that after he reported the leaks, contractors were seen at the site, but the leaks persisted. He also said there is confusion about who is responsible for ongoing works, since utility companies often rely on third-party contractors to carry out repairs.
“There are no licence numbers on the barriers from Yorkshire Water’s contractors, and even after work was carried out, water was still coming out,” Mr Dingwall added.
Other leaks have been reported on Oxford Road in Guiseley and on Leeds Road leading to Guiseley Retail Park. He described incidents where water erupted through the tarmac, forming streams across roads.
Mr. Dingwall has lodged official complaints regarding both the leaks and the injuries he sustained when he slipped on ice during a recent period of colder temperatures.
In response, a Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: "Periods of low temperatures followed by much warmer weather can often lead to an increase in leaks as frozen ground shifts when it thaws, causing pipes to move and potentially fracture, and we have been managing a higher than usual number of leaks recently.
"We're working hard with our contract partners to address these as they are reported, prioritising those that are losing the most water. Leaks are frustrating for us and for our customers and we work year-round on bringing our leakage figures down. Between 2025 and 2030, we're investing £38m in leakage prevention, detection, and repair response."
Mr Dingwall is urging quicker action: “I’m not after compensation [for the injury], I just wanted the leaks fixed so the roads and pavements are safe.”