Shefford sewage system ‘in need of work’

That is the view of Shefford mayor Councillor Paul Mackin and Central Bedfordshire Councillor Lewis Birt, who are appealing to Anglian Water to address the problem.

Over the years new housing in the town has gradually put more pressure on the system, which was installed in the 1950s when there were far fewer properties in the town.

Excess sewage has become such a problem that effluence has been known to appear in residents’ gardens and even in homes.

Mr Mackin said: “Since the system was put in the town has grown hugely – it is many times the size that it was and the system just cannot cope any more.”

Mr Birt added: “We regularly see trucks coming into the town to empty the tanks, which is a hazard, and the smell can be terrible, especially in the summer.

“Residents in Clifton Road, Stanford Road and Ampthill Road have had raw sewage floating in their gardens after heavy rain.”

Anglian Water spokeman Antony Innes said: “We would like to assure residents of Shefford that the town’s sewers are in good condition. We regularly inspect and clean along all 27,000 miles of our sewer network to keep it in good working order.

“While it is true that Shefford has grown significantly since the sewers were originally built, they are still quite able to cope.”