Residents in Wisbech faced further sewer problems last week after heavy rain fell in the area. A sewer in Milner Road backed up to the point that the inspection hatches were lifted and raw sewage found its way into resident’s gardens. One resident, 90year-old Cissie Harris had sewage in her front garden and on her driveway, she stated:
“I was woken up at five o’clock in the morning on Monday by the toilet bubbling. There was a terrible smell because sewage was running under my bedroom window. You could smell it right through the house.”
The drains on Milner Road are particularly prone to flooding when there is torrential rain. And it seems since 2007 residents and the water board have been trying to solve the problem. Sand bags have been delivered and gullies have been cleaned, however, it seems the action has made no difference.
A spokesperson for Fenland district council stated:
“Following extensive rain, we are currently working with Anglian Water to investigate and try to resolve this flooding incident and other issues across the district.”
Anglian water stated:
“We apologise to the residents of Milner Road for the disruption caused by flooding during the recent very heavy rainfall. We are currently investigating possible solutions for this problem.
“We are encouraging all customers to be mindful of things they put down the sewers, as fats, oils and grease as well as nappies and sanitary products can cause blockages in the sewer system, exacerbating the effects of flooding during heavy rain.”