SHERSTON pensioners John and Margaret Smith have warned people to be wary of insurance cover for plumbing emergencies.

Their kitchen in Gaston Lane flooded in May after a pipe blocked.

But Home Service, the insurers for Wessex Water, refused to cover the cost of £106 repairs. It said the blockage was from their washing machine waste pipe. This did not affect the normal use of their sink and the flood was only caused when their washing machine was used.

Although it has since paid £50 as a goodwill gesture Mr and Mrs Smith, have cancelled their £50 a year cover.

Mrs Smith, 75, said: "The cover is a farce. The advertising made it look like we were covered for emergencies.

"But it seems that you are covered for an emergency that can't be stopped by turning the water off at the mains."

Marketing director for Home Services James Cashmore said: "I can understand that the couple feel they have lost out on a technicality. We do have to have terms and conditions and we have offered them a good proportion of the cost in goodwill."