Thames Water criticised for sewage spill response

The Horsell Common Preservation Society put up signs at the scene

A councillor has criticised Thames Water for failing to put up signage to warn Surrey walkers that sewage has leaked into a stream in a public park.

Thames Water confirmed sewage had spilled into the Rive Ditch, a man-made waterway on Wheatsheaf Common, in Woking, on 12 March.

The company said a sewage pipe had become damaged by tree roots and tarmac, causing waste water to leak into the ditch, and that it had kept the Environment Agency and Catchment Partnerships "informed of events".

Melisa Kuipers, from Woking Borough Council, said on Monday that the sewage had still not been cleared away and Thames Water had failed to properly notify the public about the spill.

"There was no signage put up by Thames Water so the Horsell Common Preservation Society took action," said Ms Kuipers.

"I find it inexcusable that they didn't put signs up in an area where people walk their dogs," said Ms Kuipers.

"The water looks murky and it smells bad. They need to come to us and tell us what the problems are and how long it's going to take to clean up."

Sandbags have been put in the ditch to stop further pollution

Alan Taylor, chairman of the local residents' association, said the polluted waterway was "appalling".

"Residents have been very concerned, especially those with young children," said Mr Taylor.

"It's most important that residents don't let their dogs or children anywhere near the water."

The ditch has been blocked with sandbags to prevent more of the waterway from becoming polluted.

"The big concern was that it then gets into these flood ponds and then into the River Wey, but I'm pleased to say it's been well-contained in just the Rive Ditch," Mr Taylor added.

Thames Water confirmed the pipe was fixed on 16 March and that the pollutants were being allowed to "disperse naturally".