Warning issued as dozens of vapes block sewer

More than 50 vapes were removed from the sewer system in Dalston

A warning has been issued after dozens of vapes were found blocking a sewer.

United Utilities said more than 50 vapes had caused a blockage at a pumping station in Dalston, near Carlisle.

The company said "an increasing number" of vapes were being found at other treatment works across the county.

A spokesman said: "As well as causing blockages like the one seen at Dalston, there is a risk of the vapes catching fire due to the lithium batteries found in them."

Roasting tin grease

About 800 blockages were cleared in the Carlisle area in the last year caused by wet wipes, cotton pads and nappies.

The water firm also said grease from roasting tins and leftover food were some of the "key culprits" causing drains and pipes to clog and overflow.

Andrew Kendall, the firm's wastewater lead for the county said only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet.

He added: "The issue of vapes being disposed of into the sewer network is a trend that we’ve started to see over the last few years as they’ve grown in popularity.

"We’d like to remind people that they shouldn’t be flushed down the loo or chucked down drains."