Guilden Sutton householder decides against dirty protest

Jun 18 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

Guilden Sutton householder decides against dirty protest

A WATER company is taking action after a disgruntled householder threatened to dump sewage-soaked clothes at the reception of its headquarters.

Nick Pattinson of School Lane, Guilden Sutton, was at his wit’s end after his garden and his neighbours’ home were flooded with excrement, nappies and women’s products for the sixth time in five years.

The father-of-three dumped the clothes he wore for a previous clean-up operation at the HQ of United Utilities in Great Sankey.

And he was preparing to do the same this time until the company collected the clothes in a bin bag and agreed to investigate as a matter of urgency.

Mr Pattinson, a civil engineer, said: “They will get back to us within three weeks, which is quite acceptable really. They need time to see where they can push the water. It is being dealt with by United Utilities for the first time after six occurrences.

“The clothes – they came and collected them – I think my threat has gone through the system and they are starting to take notice.”

Last Wednesday evening’s deluge caused the combined sewer and surface water drain to overflow, causing a mess which the two households cleared up assisted by United Utilities.

Mr Pattinson’s wife Sam runs a child- minding business from home which was affected.

Neighbour Lisa Worrall’s garden and utility room were flooded with sewage. The mother-of-three, who lives in Arrowcroft Road, said her children’s toys had been contaminated. She said the smell was ‘horrific’.

Lisa, who lives with partner Neil Craig, said: “We are scared to leave the property. This happened last year – we were away – but thankfully all the neighbours rushed to help.”

United Utilities spokesman Christian Ewen apologised and said the company was keen to alleviate the situation.

He said a detailed survey of the sewers near the affected homes was already under way.

“Expert engineering teams are examining the pipes using CCTV cameras to check the layout and look for hidden problems which may be affecting their performance.”

“We want to do everything we can to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”