Sewage in the Brook – update

United Utilities have been present most of the day pumping the sewage out into a tanker and whilst this was going on they have been able to complete a temporary repair to the sewer which had virtually collapsed into the brook. I understand that there will be a visit tomorrow to decide on a permanent solution to the problem which hopefully will be completed in the near future.

I believe Audlem Parish Council are now taking an interest and hopefully they can keep the pressure on United Utilities so the problems do not recur. I will try and remember to look at the manhole every few days to check that further leaks aren't occurring, but if anyone notices the brook appearing polluted again can they please contact either United Utilities or the Environment Agency.

The brook through Turnpike Field, and onwards to the Weaver, should now be running clean but I would be wary of letting children and dogs paddle in it for a while yet. What we probably need is a heavy downpour to wash any residue away, but that might of course undermine the manhole again!

Lets hope that not to much permanent damage has been done to the wildlife in the brook and River Weaver.

Andy Davidson

Comment from Chris Lewis

The raw sewage is no surprise. I drew attention to this problem at the early discussions regarding Turnpike field. When we wintered the sheep on there, we reported it on several occasions. Generally it was not until the Environment Agency was informed was any action taken, but it always a temporary repair. Important that it is finally fixed properly if we hope to attract visitors to the field.