Overflowing Sewage – Overdue Action
In November 2013, the manhole at the northern end of Thorpe Hall Avenue was blown off its bolts by pressure from the sewage outfall pipe. Gardens, garages, and houses were flooded with sewage. For ten years, nothing of note happened until 13 November 2023, when it blew again, resulting in chaos captured in the photos below.
Since then, the manhole has continued to blow with alarming regularity, flooding the streets with sewage each time. Cars must navigate past the dangerous fountain of dirty water, risking further contamination.
Why is This Happening?
- Timing: The manhole often blows 90 minutes before high tide, especially after rain, but also during dry weather.
- Anglian Water’s Explanation: They attribute it to excess surface water in the sewage system, yet instances have occurred without rain.
- Unanswered Questions:
- Why was a survey of the outfall pipe cancelled?
- Is there a connection between the October 2021 sinkhole at the treatment works and the increase in incidents?
Residents Challenge Neglect
In April, a meeting was held between residents and seven representatives from Anglian Water.
Key Findings by Southend Against Sewage (SAS):
- Only one Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) from Leigh to Shoebury East Beach was functioning properly.
- Years of neglect were evident, with many outflows in disrepair.
Anglian Water’s Response:
- A five-year, untested, ecologically led plan was proposed to fix the Thorpe Hall Avenue manhole.
Anglian Water’s Tank Solution
Anglian Water suggested a tank to address flooding, with these details:
- Size: 1 million litres capacity (offering only one hour’s relief).
- Cost: £350,000.
- Concern: The manhole blows 90 minutes before high tide, making this solution inadequate.
Southend Council engineers have explored other options, such as:
- Hydrock Aquifer Blocks:
- Soak up excess water with minimal environmental impact.
- Modular, natural material design with no plastic.
- Integrated sluices to redirect sewage.
Concerns Over Current Solutions
Dr. Robin Price of Anglian Water claims rainwater is the issue. However, this is clearly sewage discharging onto the streets.
Residents argue the plan only redirects sewage rather than addressing the root cause.
What Can We Do?
To push for action:
- Write to Bayo Alaba MP at bayo.alaba.mp@parliament.uk.
- Ask him to:
- Apply Section 94 of the Water Act 1991.
- Refer the issue to Steve Reed, the Minister for the Environment.
High Tech, Low Sewage Standards
Despite modern advancements, Anglian Water has failed to maintain its sewers, leaving Southend residents to deal with dangerous and unsanitary streets.
Take action today and demand change.
by William Taylor
Local Resident