Graham Stuart MP has called on utilities company Yorkshire Water to commit to a long-term solution to a sewage problem that has blighted an East Yorkshire village for the past week.
Graham is the MP for Beverley and Holderness, which includes the village of North Newbald where residents have faced flooding sewage water and faeces in their streets and gardens.
High water levels thanks to recent heavy rainfall, combining with existing natural springs beneath the village, has resulted in groundwater infiltrating the sewers. This has pushed waste water above ground where it has caused havoc – covering people’s drives and gardens and even getting into some properties.
Although Yorkshire Water have sent a tanker to the village to drain the sewers – which will allow residents to use their toilets – this isn’t a long-term solution as continued high water levels mean groundwater is still entering the sewers and causing them to overflow. Yorkshire Water must wait until local water levels fall again before being able to identify the source of the problem and rectify it.
Graham said, “I really feel for residents in North Newbald who are now having to contend with this of all things, particularly after the horrid year we’ve all had. I can’t begin to imagine the toll it’s taking on their mental health.
“It’s not the first time this has happened, and I can almost guarantee it won’t be the last unless something is done to fix this and stop the groundwater getting into the sewers in the first place. It’s really not on.
“I’m grateful to Yorkshire Water for sending in a tanker to drain the sewers, but I’m calling on them to commit to solving this once and for all, just as soon as water levels recede enough for them to identify where the problem is. Kudos as well to residents and Newbald Parish Council for shouting about this so that Yorkshire Water sent down tankers to help out in the short-term.”
Suzanne Smith, Clerk to Newbald Parish Council, added: “I appreciate Graham stepping in to help put some pressure on Yorkshire Water to fix the problem long-term even after the water levels drop.
“Water levels are only going to get worse what with climate change increasing rainfall, so it’s important we’ve got a solution in place to ensure this never affects our residents again. I know that we at the parish council will continue to do all we can to secure this.”
North Newbald residents have also complained of an absence of warning signs and a promised portaloo, which the local MP has also raised with Yorkshire Water as well as East Riding Council.
