Huge clean-up operation under way in St Leonards

Southern Water is carrying out the work, working with the Environment Agency.

Resident Peter Rowe said the clean-up at the Hollington Stream had been going on since last week and that the sewage problem had started ‘at least a week before’.

A Southern Water spokesman said: “No wastewater release is acceptable to us. Full investigations and clean-up operations have been taking place to resolve the issues found by the Hollington Stream and at Sedlescombe Road North.

“We’ve been working closely with the Environment Agency on a wastewater release to the Hollington Stream since August 3.

“An investigation was immediately launched to find the source of the problem – a blockage in our sewers – and actions were taken to clear it.

“Further investigations discovered a second blockage on Sedlescombe Road North, caused by a build-up of tarmac and debris in our sewer. This was then cleared and flows were restored.

“Working with the Environment Agency, our teams conducted a flush-through of the stream and a full sweep of the area to remove any litter from the release. This started on Friday and continues today (Tuesday, August 11).

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these emergency works.”

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