Aysdalegate: Action promised over 'disgusting' water supply

The water tank is fed by a stream populated by tadpoles

A report is to be compiled about the plight of residents whose water supply from a stream is "disgusting" and contaminated by animals.

Former mining cottages at Aysdalegate, near Guisborough, do not have mains water but a tank fed by a stream.

Residents have been told it would cost up to £200,000 for the row of houses to be connected to the mains.

Sir Simon Clarke MP said it was an issue associated "more with the 1850s than the 2020s" and action was needed.

Chris Johnson said the residents rely on bottled water for most things

Resident Chris Johnson said he would never drink water from the taps and had been relying on bottled water for a long time.

"We get animals in there from time to time. So we have fished out rabbits and hares in the past. There are occasions when there have been tadpoles," he said.

Anne Clayton, the vice-chairwoman of Lockwood Parish Council, said: "At the best of times - which is after heavy rain - it's brown, sludgy, gritty, dirty water.

"In the summer when it's dry, it's thick and horrible. It's disgusting: you wouldn't want to look at it never mind wash in it.

"They have pulled out dead rats and all sorts [from] the stream as it goes into the tanks."

Anne Clayton said dead animals had been pulled out of the stream that feeds the tank

Sir Simon, who is the Conservative MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said: "I think today's mission is to make sure that there is awareness of this.

"We are going to go and get a report filed with central government as well as with the Drinking Water Inspectorate and the council to make sure that action follows."

Redcar and Cleveland Council said it was continuing to support the residents to access water that is not a risk to their health.