Sewage in Bournemouth: Residents concerned for public safety

Following heavy rainfall over the weekend, sewage drains along Wilson Road became blocked and overflowed with human waste before flowing down the street and pooling at the end of the road.

One resident said while this was the first instance of human waste overflowing into the road, flooding is a regular nuisance along the street.

They said: “It’s quite a common problem, flooding and water collecting down here.

“The drains don’t get enough love, basically”

Wessex Water have since come to unblock the drains along the road but human waste and used toilet paper can still be seen littering pavements and the street.

“You just never know,” the resident said of concern for public safety, particularly children.

“You get kids coming through with scooters and if there is this kind of around there’s no knowing what they might pick up.”

Jim Smith, of BH Weather, said there was 24mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period rainfall over the weekend, more than in the whole of May, causing the drains to become clogged with rubbish and debris.

The resident said they have taken matters into their own hands in the past, sweeping the street and clearing debris near drains to prevent flooding.

“These never get swept, probably ever” said the resident.

One person said the flooding has resulted in them having to walk their child “the long way round” to school for concern of what they might come into contact with.

The resident said they were pleased Wessex Water came to unblock the drains along the street, but said it was 24 hours after it had happened, and they were still had concerns about sewage remaining on the road.

“If it gets too late in the week and they still haven’t done anything then obviously it’s a concern.”

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Rainwater inundated the drainage network on Saturday, including private and highway systems, and our sewerage crews helped to clear debris and ensure the area was cleaned up afterwards.

“We work closely with local councils, who are responsible for highway drains, to help resolve distressing cases of sewer flooding when they occur.”