'Our roads flood with sewage every time it rains'

Rippingale resident Theo Ray says his home has been left "surrounded by sewage" during recent winter floods

People living in a Lincolnshire village say they are worried cold, wet winter weather will lead to further flooding and sewage pollution in their streets.

The community in Rippingale, near Bourne, say rainwater and sewage have been causing problems for more than a decade.

Theo Ray said the problem could "last for days" after a heavy downpour and had left his property "surrounded by sewage" on several occasions.

Anglian Water said it had carried out investigations in the village. A spokesperson added: "As a result of these findings, our teams are looking into targeted improvements on our pipes."

The problem of winter flooding and sewage spills were first spotted by residents in 2013

Rippingale is one of several villages in southern Lincolnshire that regularly flood during the winter and record-breaking rainfall has caused significant problems with flooding and contaminated water.

Chris Petz said the problem had become predictable in the village: "The drain outside my home overflows every time it rains," he said.

In September, Anglian Water, which serves much of Lincolnshire, was fined £62m for "excessive sewage spills" and ordered to make improvement by the regulator Ofwat.

Mr Petz said he did not expect Rippingale's problems to be solved quickly.

"I think when they carry me out [from my home] in my coffin they'll probably be wearing wellingtons," he added.

Steve Grebby, from the Consumer Council for Water, says public bodies need to work together more effectively to take rainwater out of the system

Villagers in Rippingale have lodged a formal complaint with the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) the body representing water customers in England and Wales.

Steve Grebby from CCW said a "fundamental change" was needed in the approach to sewage and added: "Building bigger sewers, bigger treatment works is not going to cut it in the future.

"What we need is to take rainwater out of the system altogether."

Mr Grebby said the most effective solution would be to get public and private bodies to collaborate more effectively.

"It's everyone involved in drainage, it's not just water companies it's the Environment Agency, local authorities, farmers and landowners all working together," he said.

Liz Rowledge said the issue of flooding had been "awful" for people living in the village

Rippingale resident Liz Rowledge said she was concerned about the winter ahead after seeing multiple problems.

She said: "In recent years it's been awful here. You're wearing wellies, there are bins floating in the flood water and you just don't know what else is in it."

An Anglian Water spokesperson said work was continuing to sort out the drainage issues and it planned to update the local council on its progress.

They said: "We'd like to reassure our customers in Rippingale that we are doing everything we can to help.

"We know that there is still work to do, and flooding incidents require a response from many different organisations, businesses, and landowners, and it takes a combined response from all involved."

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