When are they going to stop raw sewage flowing into our street? (From Evesham Journal)

When are they going to stop raw sewage flowing into our street?

6:20pm Sunday 15th July 2012 in News By Sarah Taylor

VILLAGERS in Willersey who have endured raw sewage overflowing into the street for more than 15 years say they are fed up with the lack of action in finding a solution.

Unhappy residents told the Journal they often find raw sewage and toilet paper all over Badsey Road as three manholes persistently overflow, especially during periods of heavy rain.

The problem is thought to be caused by a pumping station in Badsey Road operated by Severn Trent Water.

Former parish council chairman Maurice Andrews said: “The pumping station isn’t working sufficiently.

Overflowing happens every couple of weeks. They could save money by sorting the problem out. It is raw sewage coming out. We have got so fed up with it.”

During the ongoing saga residents have contacted watchdog Ofwat, which was unable to assist, and in 2006 the Journal reported that Severn Trent Water said the pumping station was becoming overwhelmed when it rained.

Six years on and Wayne Ellis, a solution manager for Severn Trent Water who visited the village in May, said they hoped to solve the problems over the next two years.

Mr Ellis said: “There are known flooding problems in the area of Badsey Lane associated with capacity issues in the sewerage system and pumping station in Badsey Lane as well as recent failures of the pumping station’s rising main.

“We are hoping to have the preferred solution in the ground by summer 2014.”

But villagers say this is not good enough and want the problem sorted out sooner.

Parish councillor Philip Bennett, of Lay Orchard in Willersey, walks to work along the road every day.

He said: “2014 is still two years away. It has been going on for years. Children have to use that road to get the school bus. If the rain carries on like it has been it is just going to get worse.”