Former Leicester City Star and Residents Call for Action Over Repeated Street Sewage Flooding

Residents on a Leicestershire street, supported by a former Leicester City football player, are urging measures to prevent sewage from blocked drains from repeatedly overflowing onto the road throughout the year. Steve Walsh, a former defender for the Foxes and co-director of a football academy located on Warwick Road in Whetstone, Leicestershire, described the situation as a health risk to children, noting the “horrendous” odor emanating from the “bubbling” foul water. Alaina Gallacher, who manages the Blaby and Whetstone Youth Club situated on the identical street, stated that the issue is escalating and expressed concern that individuals might become seriously unwell if a definitive solution is not implemented. Severn Trent Water issued an apology for the flooding incidents, attributing them to blockages created by materials improperly disposed of in toilets. Mr. Walsh, who serves as head coach and co-director at Advanced Football Development Academy Leicester, commented: “The smell is horrendous that comes from it, especially in warmer weather. “Apart from what we can see at the side of the road or bubbling up, it’s an awful situation. “It’s not healthy at all for the kids that we have.” Ms. Gallacher stated: “My concerns are that people are walking through it and it’s a busy road for cars, so they’re getting splashed by other people’s sewage. “People are bringing it in in their shoes. They’re walking their dogs through it. They’re driving their cars through it. “It’s a health hazard. Someone is going to be seriously ill if it’s not addressed properly.”We need a resolution to get it fixed once and for all, or we’re literally going to be in a mess again and again.” A spokesperson for Severn Trent Water remarked: “We’re sorry for the disruption that’s been caused on Warwick Road, as we know how unpleasant any flooding can be.”On this and previous visits, we have found the issue to have been caused by a blockage formed by items including wet wipes which had been flushed down the toilet.” The utility company recommended that individuals dispose of all items other than toilet paper in bins and refrain from pouring fats, oils, and grease down sinks to avert the formation of blockages. Ms. Gallacher expressed appreciation for the company’s recognition of the problem but emphasized the necessity of a lasting solution to prevent future drain overflows. For updates, BBC Leicester can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Further information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.