FAMILIES with small children and pets seen playing in a stream that might be contaminated with sewage has sparked outrage among locals who said it was a “disturbing” sight – adding they were ‘disgusted’ by a lack of warning signs put up by a utility provider.
Thames Water has come under fire over a lack of safety measures along the stream in Hughenden Park after one resident reported sewage overflowing into the water back in February which they said had gone on “for years” – and after another person saw families in the water at the weekend seemingly unaware of the dangers.
PICTURED: A resident snaps a shot of the sewage leaking from the problem drain in the park
Both parties questioned why there were no public notices put up in the park to deter people going into the water, and what is being done to prevent waste getting into the stream, which was also a problem in February last year, according to one resident.
READ MORE: 'Shameful': Growing problem of waste dumped in Wycombe wood sparks backlash
Chiltern Chalk Streams wrote online it had asked Thames Water for an update on the situation, adding: “Groundwater levels are high and still rising so the risk of further sewage pollution of @ChilternsAONB #chalkstreams resulting from groundwater infiltration into the network will remain high for a while yet.”
One resident said they were keen to know what long-term plans there are to address the problem, adding: “As [I] know this [is] not a one off, unfortunately.”
PICTURED: Yet another shot of the area believed to be the source
“@thameswater recent sewage overflow into Hughenden stream, what are you doing to address?” one person wrote on Twitter, on February 28.
“Also, why no notification to public? Stream flows through park and is popular with kids and dogs yet no notification?
“Been ongoing problem for years, it definitely was overflowing badly February last year too.”
They added: “Further discharge today (March 7) @thameswater, but still no reply from you.”
They also tweeted at Bucks Council.
The source of the overflow appears to be a drain in the park near a substation off Valley Road, which is close to the Cryers Hill Road roundabout.
Another park user said they also saw children and dogs playing in the stream further down at the weekend.
“I was there walking along the stream in Hughenden Park at about 4pm on Saturday and there were loads of families there enjoying a bit of sunshine, but it was pretty disturbing to see dogs, children and families in the water, obviously unaware that there could be sewage in there. There weren’t any signs warning people not to go in the water as far as I could see. Disgusting.”
A spokesman for Thames Water said: “We understand sewer flooding is unpleasant and we sent a team last week (March 12) to clean up the area impacted by the overflowing drain.
“We’re working hard to keep our sewer network operating as normal following very heavy rain this winter which has led to groundwater levels being very high.
“We’re sending an engineer to inspect the sewer today (March 16)…to check everything is flowing correctly and clear up any additional mess around the drain.”
We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting High Wycombe. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel