Councillor demands answers as raw sewage pumped into Skegby brook

Councillor Melanie Darrington has also asked for residents to be careful what they are disposing of down their toilets after things including sanitary towels and wipes ended up being pumped into the brook after heavy rainfall.

Severn Trent Water have confirmed that sewage was being pumped into Skegby Brook under a permit agreement with the Environment Agency.

Councillor Darrington claims that many residents don’t know about this and let their children or dogs play in the popular beauty spot.

She said: “This is a popular area in Skegby but many residents will shocked that raw sewage is being pumped into it.

“I know that Severn Trent are not breaking the law but their confirmation that they are doing this will shock many.

“I feel that residents need to be informed about the sewage as children regularly play there.

“I am proud that Skegby has some popular beauty spots, but the community needs to be made aware of the potential for raw sewage in the brook.”

A clean up carried out by Severn Trent took place on Friday.

Cllr Darrington continued: “I am pleased that Severn Trent agreed to do a clean up.

“I would ask residents to think about what they are flushing down their toilets as you are adding to the risk of flooding and the risk that it ends up in beauty spots like this.”

A spokesperson from Severn Trent said: “Our system is designed to stop customers’ homes being flooded during times of heavy rain.

“It does this by redirecting the waste water, which is mainly rainwater, to a nearby water course to stop it becoming overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of rainwater.

“This is fully agreed with the Environment Agency, and by doing this we hope to make sure no one has to suffer sewer water flowing into their home.

“We’ve now completed the clear up of the brook but will be returning to do a full walk through to make sure everything’s back to normal.”

The Environment Agency has been approached for comment