SEWAGE ran on to a children’s playground in east Reading, causing equipment including a climbing frame to be cordoned off to prevent youngsters playing in faeces.
Reading Borough Council’s out-of-hours team had to be called in after users of Palmer Park reported an unpleasant smell.
It was caused by a blockage to a foul sewer running from the new leisure centre, on Sunday, April 24.
The overflow came out by the play area near to Tutu’s Ethopian Table and the disabled parking bays. As well as the climbing frame, swings and other equipment have been cordoned off and the area where the sewage came up is just metres away from the items.
The affected area is also often used by families and groups for picnics.
After park users kicked up a stink, council staff cordoned off the area in a bid to stop park users from accidentally going into the mess. Thames Water was also approached in a bid to send out an emergency team.
Park Ward councillor Rob White was also contacted, as residents were concerned about the potential health hazard the sewage spill represented.
The councillor, who is also the leader of the opposition on Reading Borough Council, said: “The sewage in main Palmer Park play area was a blocked sewage pipe from the new sports centre.
“We raised this with the council after being alerted by residents.
“The council has worked with Thames Water to get this pipe unblocked and is now cleaning up.
“Cllr Josh Williams, Sarah Magon and myself are working with residents to tidy up Park Ward.”
A spokesperson from Reading Borough Council confirmed the stinky story, and promised to restore the area to its previous state.
“Unfortunately, a blockage to the foul sewer which runs from the leisure centre has impacted on the children’s play area,” they said.
“The Council’s drainage team immediately attended on the day but additional support was needed from Thames Water to unblock it, so that the drainage system would run normally again.
“The play area will remain cordoned off temporarily while the clean-up takes place.
“We thank local residents and park users for their patience.”
And a spokesperson for Thames Water said: “We received reports of a sewage overflow at Palmer Park on Sunday, April 23, and we currently have teams en route to investigate the issue.
“We are sorry to residents, parents and children who are unable to use the playground at this time and would like to assure them, we will work to clear the blockage, as quickly and safely as possible.
“Customers can help us prevent blockages, which can be a cause of flooding in peoples’ homes and gardens, by only flushing the three Ps – pee, poo and paper.
