HOUSEHOLDERS affected by gallons of stinking sewage pumped into their York gardens are considering taking further action after being told Yorkshire Water is not legally liable.

Dozens of Acomb residents are still affected by waste which spilled from the pumping station in Danebury Drive eight days ago and the continuing smell which has been heightened by warm weather.

On Monday the affected residents received letters saying they would get a rebate on their sewage charges, but should claim for damage on their household insurance.

Denise Frost, speaking for her elderly parents Rose and Desmond Godson, of Almsford Road, said she was considering contacting OFWAT, the water regulatory body, to complain about Yorkshire Water.

She said: "I'm furious that this issue has not been dealt with quickly and efficiently.

"I will not let this issue drop. I'm determined to stand up to Yorkshire Water and get some guarantees from them that this will not happen again.

"If I don't get any answers I have no choice but to contact OFWAT."

Rose claimed the smell still present in the garden was affecting her health. She said: "We have been left with no choice but to do a lot of cleaning up ourselves and the health risks are frightening."

Val Robson, 71, also of Almsford Road, said she was furious Yorkshire Water could give no guarantees that the problem would not recur.

"The walls in my garden are still discoloured from the sewage. I keep complaining but Yorkshire Water have failed to put my garden back to how it was.

"I will give them one more chance to put things right and then I shall contact OFWAT."

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Water insisted today the company was not legally liable for the damage.

"Third party interference, which we believe could be children, affected the valve which released the waste."

The spokeswoman said chains had been installed to secure site barriers at the plant.