Real stink in Biggleswade over faulty drain

The drain in Biggleswade High Street has been proving a health hazard for people who live in the area and passers-by for months, they say.

But they claim that their complaints to Central Bedfordshire Council and Anglian Water have not been acted on.

John Walsh, who lives nearby, said: “It’s not normally so bad during the day but at night you see this stream of liquid coming out of the drain which smells horrendous.

“I have spoken to the council and Anglian Water about this and each one has said that they are aware of this and have looked into it, but nothing ever seems to be done.”

Steph Jones often walks past the drain and is worried about long-term health consequences.

She said: “People have been splashed by this when they have walked past and it is a real health hazard.”

Councillor Brian Spurr, executive member for sustainable communities at Central Beds Council, said: “Our highways team have confirmed that according to their records, none of the callouts for general drainage seem to match this description. However, the team will quickly carry out an inspection and if the flooding is caused by the highways drainage system, they will arrange for corrective works to be undertaken. If on the other hand, the team’s inspection discovers that the problem is being caused by the public surface, foul or combined system, this will then fall under the remit of the water authority.”

Anglian Water spokesman Antony Innes said: “We are aware of the problem on High Street, Biggleswade, and have been working closely with Environmental Health to try find the source of the problem and whose responsibility it is to fix. All of our assets in the area have been surveyed for damage and the drains of local properties have also been tested. Unfortunately these tests haven’t identified the problem, so a section of the pavement will need to be dug up to help locate and fix the issue as soon as possible.”