Sewage problem in village needs to be solved - resident (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Sewage problem in village needs to be solved - resident

2:30pm Thursday 2nd July 2009

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RAW sewage which flows in to a village street during heavy rainfall is creating a health hazard, according to a resident.

Sharon Shaw, of Burneside, near Kendal, believes something should have been done years ago to stop the problem which returned during a recent flash flood in the region.

Mrs Shaw said: “The street was absolutely awash with sewage - there were solids all over the place. The drain is adjacent to a senior citizens home, is placed directly in front of the village bus stop where our schoolchildren have to wait each morning, and is about 50 yards from the village bakery.

“I am appalled that we have to live in what can only be described as medieval conditions in the first decade of the 21st century. It’s gone on and on for years. As soon as there’s a heavy rainfall it can’t cope.”

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said he thought the situation was “disgusting” and said he would try to get a United Utilities officer to do a site visit.

A spokesman for United Utilties (UU) admitted the sewer system tends to overflow in the street during intense downpours, and said planning investment for the next five years was underway.

She said: “It can be unpleasant and we have every sympathy with residents in the village. We have been in regular contact with the residents’ representatives to discuss a long-term solution.

“Sewer flooding affects a number of communities across our region and solving it usually requires significant investment in often complex and large scale engineering works.

“However, while UU is committed to tackling all flooding incidents, it is likely we will have to prioritise programmes where flooding is most severe - for instance, where it enters people’s homes. In the meantime we will assist the local community in every way we can by cleaning any debris after a flooding event.”

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