Well, we have functioning drains! They have informed us of another issue that they could not resolve though. Where they dug down was right next to the back gate. They cleared that but found an obstruction beyound the gate, in the 'backing', but still part of the run to the main sewer. The suspicion is that this blockage is causing the drains on our property to block.

It is now a bit of a wooley area beacuse the obstruction is on the drain from our house but not actualy on our property so they could not dig it up. They drain sub-contracor (Dynorod is a franchise apparently) will send a report to the insurance company to see if they will pay for excavations beyond out gate. Because maintenance of the alleyway is down to the council they will have to make good after and it all gets lost in the mire (pun intended) of council/utility company/insurace discussions which are, for the moment, beyond my ken!

At least we have a functional drainage system while they decide who does what with whom.

Thanks for the advice and support all.

Cheers

DeG