Southern Water attend sewage spill in Cranbury Avenue

On Thursday afternoon, the water company cleared a spillage, believed to be sewage, at Cranbury Avenue, following a blockage in a manhole cover.

The spill was not related to Southern Water assets, the company confirmed.

Vince Roberts, 71, a retired NHS employee who worked within the infectious disease unit, told the Echo he first spotted the spillage on Tuesday morning, describing what he believed to be “sewage” flowing across the road an into a nearby gutter.

He said: “I was parking in the road and noticed the spillage running across the road.

“It was small enough that you could step over it, but it didn’t look like something anyone would want to go near.

“I didn’t want to get too close to it but if it was what I thought it was, that could be a serious health and safety hazard for anyone that encounters it, making them unwell.

“I did try and report this to Southern Water, but it’s made difficult because you have to register an address, and I don’t live in the area.”

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Speaking to the Echo, Cllr John Savage, cabinet member for green city and net zero, described the spill as a “significant issue.”

He said: “I have regular meetings with Southern Water, and this sounds like a significant issue, I hope it is dealt with as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Toqeer Kataria Bevois Ward councillor, Toqeer Kataria, cabinet member for compliance and leisure, added: “Ward councillors attended the site earlier this week. Following this, Southern Water confirmed they are now aware of the sewage leak.

“Southern Water is currently in the process of applying for the necessary permits to begin excavation and carry out the repairs as soon as possible.

“We understand the leak was first reported on Tuesday and have been informed by Southern Water that the delay from their side has been due to the time required to obtain permits to carry out the underground works and identify the exact location of the issue.

“Councillors have emphasised the need for a prompt response from Southern Water in emergency situations such as this particularly given the worsening smell from the sewage and the impact it is having on the quality of life for local residents.

“We have also urged Southern Water to keep residents fully informed and to provide regular updates on the progress of the repair works.”

In a statement, Southern Water confirmed they’d cleared the blockage and disinfected the affected area.

A spokesperson said: “Our teams were on site at Cranbury Avenue, investigating reports of a sewage leak.

“It was a private manhole belonging to a customer in a front garden that had a blockage, we’ve cleared the blockage and disinfected it, so the problem is resolved. The spillage did not relate to our assets.”