15723/1FOR one Melksham couple any downpour can mean disaster as their garden disappears under gallons of sewage.
John and Lesley Shorthouse, of Awdry Avenue, are faced with the same problem every time there is a heavy rainstorm.
The problem began six years ago when the Environment Agency blocked up a sewage overflow pipe that had been taking overflow waste directly into the River Avon.
In a heavy downpour the mains sewer can't cope with the extra water, which starts backing up into the sewer connected to the Shorthouses' property.
The water pressure blows off a manhole cover in their garden and the resulting flood of sewage can be up to a foot deep, covering the whole of the garden.
West Wiltshire District Council's environmental health officers are planning to carry out works to correct the problem in the next few months.
Mr Shorthouse said: "I have to get out the water jet and strong cleaning fluid and jet wash everything. I must have done this 25 or 30 times over the past six years."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article