News

Council kicks up stink over sewer leak

A ROW has broken out between Powys County Council and Welsh Water following the recurrence of a sewer leak in Machynlleth for the fourth time in a fortnight. Public health fears have been raised after the leak was discovered coming from a man-hole cover on Forge Road, despite attempts by Welsh Water to rectify the problem. The company this week put the blame on a blockage of fat in the sewer, and said it had removed the waste and was carrying out a camera survey of the network.

But Powys County Council said the level of progress made by Welsh Water had been “unacceptable”, and called on the company to resolve the matter. Machynlleth councillor Mike Williams added: “I think it is absolutely disgusting and appalling that Welsh Water have dragged their feet with this matter. “The stink is overpowering.” Cllr Geraint Hopkins, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for environment and regulation, said that council officers were made aware of the leak on 23 January and had reported it to Welsh Water.

He added: “Since then, despite Welsh Water operatives attending site there has been further sewage discharge onto the surface which again has been reported.”

Click here for the full story, or see this week's Machynlleth and Llanidloes edition of the Cambrian News