Sewage leak on Swindon estate ‘is making people ill’

Sewage has been leaking from an overflow in a field adjacent to Tadpole Lane in the Tadpole Garden Village nature reserve.

Residents are fuming as no action has taken place in four weeks since the leak was reported to the developer responsible for clearing it up.

The affected area is a hotspot for local dogwalkers.

One resident who wished to remain anonymous said: “It is extremely foul sewage with a bad smell over a large area where people walk their dogs.

Many people walk their dogs around Tadpole Garden Village. (Image: Dave Cox)

“It is a health hazard to humans and animals demonstrated after one man became seriously unwell after walking his dog in this field.

“It was reported to the Environment Agency and Thames Water in April but nothing was done.

“We later found that the land is still owned by developers Crest Nicholson and therefore is their responsibility to maintain.”

After living in Tadpole Garden Village for five years, the resident has been left disappointed with the developer’s response.

“It leaves me feeling very unhappy as it reaffirms our concerns that Crest Nicholson are not addressing the remaining items,” said the resident.

“There have been frequent issues with leaking sewage pipes at Tadpole Garden Village with the developer Crest Nicholson not responding in adequate time to prevent public health risk.

“It is a shambles and it is just very worrying that the whole development is being poorly managed.”

The sewage issue was reported by residents back in April. (Image: Stuart Olden)

The Adver approached both Crest Nicholson and Thames Water for comment on the problem.

A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said: “We are committed to the wellbeing of everyone at our developments and the surrounding environment.

“Our dedicated onsite team have now fenced off the affected area whilst the blockages are cleared, and the area cleaned.

“The team are also conducting surveys of the drainage systems to identify the issue and to arrange remedial works to take place.”

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We responded to reports of a sewer overflow on Monday, May 15, near Tadpole Lane in Swindon.

“Our teams attended the same day and located a blockage on a private estate. Our teams have taken the necessary steps to inform the Environment Agency and the property owner to get this rectified.

“Customers can help us prevent blockages, by only flushing the three Ps – pee, poo and paper.”