Blocked loos and flooding causing a stink for residents in village near Biggleswade

Some villagers living in Station Road, Tempsford, have only had use of their loo once in the last fortnight and say they have repeatedly reported the problem to Anglian Water before that too.

Tempsford resident of 43 years, Barrie FitzPatrick, said: “The pumping station in the village takes all the sewage away and I think also handles other villages nearby too, but it’s obvious it’s not capable of handling it. This is a persistent problem that has gone on too long and needs addressing.”

In an email to Anglian Water on February 2, he reported: “We find ourselves again unable to use our toilet facilities in the manner they are designed for. In 2019 and 2020 we have had to use our golf club’s toilet facilities and showers due to the back up in our sewage system.

“In 2019 we had to cancel a Christmas party for 30 people and dispose of food we had purchased because our three toilets were unusable. This year the golf clubs are closed, so we can’t use their facilities.

“If you check your records you will find this is an annual event going back well in excess of ten years. I’m sorry but it is 2021 not 1021, we all have a human right to have a usable toilet system.”

Villager John Creese said that he is sick of the issue reoccurring and wants to know what Anglian Water are actively doing to alleviate the problem long-term.

A third villager also contacted the Chronicle to speak of similar experiences with her toilet but didn’t want to be named.

An Anglian Water spokesperson said: “We have had the wettest December and January for the last 100 years, meaning groundwater levels are extremely high and water is infiltrating our sewers.

“Even though our pumps are working continuously sewers are simply not designed to carry this volume of groundwater or have the capacity for overflowing rivers. Our teams are continuing to work across the region to do all we can to help customers and keep our network running due to the persistent rainfall which is causing the current issues rather than a specific problem with our networks.

“We are currently responding to very high numbers of customer call outs which means we need to prioritise work so we can help customers whose homes are flooding or where there is a risk to the environment. We will help all customers as soon as we can but it may take us several days to reach everyone, please bear with us.

“Local councils should be contacted for problems with road drains, keeping gullies clear and issuing sandbags if they are needed. Once the water subsides we will be doing further investigations.”

A spokesperson for Tempsford Parish Council said: “We are aware of the problems highlighted and have contacted Anglian Water on behalf of the residents affected. T

“They are now dealing with the problem, which we are told is being caused by the excessive water levels due to the heavy rain we have had recently. We are unable to add anything further to this as it is now in the hand of Anglian Water to resolve.”

In the meantime, Tempsford-based LSK Toilet Hire have stepped in to help residents by loaning those affected portable toilets. A post the company put out on its Facebook page said: “If you are a resident in Tempsford and are being affected by the floods and are unable to use your facilities, please call us to arrange the free hire of one of our chemical toilets. We are here to help.”

Addressing the flooding in Tempsford, a Central Bedfordshire Council spokesperson said: “We were alerted to the flooding in Tempsford by Anglian Water yesterday afternoon (February 9), so we delivered 50 sandbags, flood boards and road closure signs. We also undertook some door knocking in the area to check if residents were in need of assistance.

“If residents are experiencing issues with flooding of road drains or gullies they can report them to us on our website or by calling 0300 300 8049.”

As of Wednesday, February 10, the Chronicle understands Anglian Water has sent a tanker to clear the village’s pumping station.

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