Site visits planned following residents' sewage concerns

West Berkshire Council will be conducting additional site visits across the district this week as part of a continuing response to concerns raised about the public being exposed to sewage and other debris.

The concerns have been shared online and in correspondence direct to the Council. 

Since the flooding started in January, a significant number of site visits have been conducted. West Berkshire Council is continuing to discuss these with Thames Water.

The site visits this week will involve officers from both the Environmental Health and Highways teams who will conduct full assessments of the situation at each location. Part of that visit will include an assessment of whether any statutory nuisance exists.

Jon Winstanley, Service Director for the Environment, said: 

"West Berkshire Council understands residents' concerns and frustration about sewage and litter in our rivers, in our communities and in private properties. It's not happening everywhere, but where it can be found it's not pleasant to see or to smell, and it has a detrimental effect on how people feel about the area in which they live.

"We remain committed to resolving these ongoing issues through dialogue with Thames Water. We are also exploring all options and will be visiting all effected sites this week to carry out assessments of whether there is statutory nuisance that we can address using powers open to the Council."