Outrage over 'failure of Anglian Water to resolve sewage smell in Ingoldmells'
A SHOWDOWN is looming between two heavyweight organisations over the continuing smell problem in a Skegness-area village.
At a public meeting organised by the Lincolnshire County Council Conservative group, Councillor Martin Hill, expressed outrage that, after 25 years, issues in Ingoldmells affecting sewage treatment still have not been resolved by Anglian Water.
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He said: "It's quite disgraceful that the company still has not sorted this out."
The leader was responding to claims from villagers that they were succumbing to chest infections and bouts of vomiting from the continuing nuisance.
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One woman said many residents felt that they were "prisoners in their own homes" – unable to enjoy garden barbecues or even hang out their washing because of the foul-smelling odour.
"No wonder they call the village 'Ingoldsmells'," she observed. "It must have cost local business a fortune in lost trade."
According to parish council chairman, Councillor John Arnott-Watson, the situation has deteriorated so badly since last month that life for some, including himself, has become "like living next to an open sewer".
It is now likely that the council leader will write a stern letter to Anglian's chairman, insisting on an effective initiative to remedy the nuisance, failing which action may be brought under public health legislation.
No one from Anglian was at the meeting, but it is known that, since the start of the year, the company has invested £100,000 on infrastructure improvements plus chemical treatment in the hope of masking the worst of the stench.
Ward councillor Colin Davie said the time had come for the excuses to stop.
"Anglian Water must invest now in constructing a new sewage treatment works in order to accommodate the demands brought about by increased house building on the coast," Councillor Davie said.
Comments
by rick29
Saturday, September 22 2012, 8:29AM
“good luck, anglian water is just another utility company that puts profit before people, somehow when i first moved into my 1bedroom flat my water bill was the same as a 3 bedroom house with garden and outside tap. they then said it was my fault the bill was so high even though i answered truthfully about my water usage at the time of setting my water account up.”