RAW sewage is getting into a stream used by children as a paddling pool during the summer, a fuming landowner claims.

Peter Moore-Dutton says blocked sewage pipes regularly cause flooding on hislandoffHeath LaneinBarrow,a problem most recently occurring on May 27. He said: 'It is half-term and children often play in that stream, it also gets into the Gowy Brook and is polluting that as well.

'When the pipe was put in 50 or 60 years ago the population was much smaller, but it is now wholly inadequate. I would like to see a wider pipe put in, it might help to solve the problem.'

A spokesman for United Utilities said: 'We are aware there is a problem with a sewer pipe which leads to the nearby pumping station and apologise for this happening. Our records show there was flooding twice last year and that it flooded again last month.

'We think there are two reasons behind the problem, which is being caused by a blockage. Firstly, there is a sharp bend in the sewer network at this point which unfortunately can lead to blockages.

'Secondly, we suspect the blockage has beencausedbya buildupofgrease and fat which has been poured down the sink. This hot fat, which has been used for cooking, cools and then later solidifies when it enters the sewer network, which can cause blockages.

'We would advise all our customers not to pour used oil and fat down the drain, but to wait for it to cool and solidify and then put it in the bin.

'We will be putting CCTV cameras down the network to confirm this is the problem. We will then unblock the sewer and clean it on a regular basis to try and prevent this happening again.'