Thames Water hopeful of sewage flooding solution in Horley
Thames Water says it is hopeful a short-term solution to sewage that has flooded Horley residents' properties will be implemented in the coming months.Steve Pelham, who lives near Horley Sewage Treatment Works, said water contaminated with E. Coli had flooded his garden three times in five years.Thames Water chief operations officer, Esther Sharples, wrote to the town's MP to say the issue is "one of our top priorities".Dorking and Horley MP Chris Coghlan said he was "waiting to see the details" of the proposed solution, but thought the firm had "got the message that it has to stop, because it's so horrific."
He told BBC Radio Surrey that he was pleased Thames Water was acting, but he had reported the company to the Environment Agency and regulator Ofwat "to try and put maximum pressure on them to act".Ms Sharples said in her letter that Thames Water would "explore all options to bring forward" mitigation measures and were "carrying out the necessary surveys" to confirm its short-term solution will be effective."I am therefore not able to provide precise details just yet, but will be able to give you a more detailed explanation in June, and I remain hopeful of a solution being in place this summer," she wrote.She added that Thames Water was also "developing a long-term plan to carry out further mitigation".Coghlan said: "The proof will be in the pudding of whether they actually deliver."
Mr Pelham said that his garden had been flooded in November and in January.The floodwater tested positive for E. Coli and high levels of ammonia and phosphates, according to the Lee Street resident."In places it was waist deep and up to your knees pretty much everywhere else," he said."Let's hope that they not only sort the immediate issue out, but futureproof it for any other developments that are happening, and hopefully it won't ever happen again."Water quality campaign group River Mole River Watch said Horley Sewage Treatment Works had received "a woeful lack of investment" for decades.
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Daily Mirror
a day ago
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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Toddler, 2, left fighting for life after holiday swim as she was infected with THREE strains of deadly bacteria
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Wales Online
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Holidaymakers sue 'nightmare' resort with 'gastric illness' and 'wild animals around buffet'
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From Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, Sharon recounted that the so-called luxury holiday unfolded into "one of the worst experiences of her life," with health complications still plaguing her eight months after. Penny Robson, 55, a paramedic from London, also shared her ordeal after spending £2,000 for a week-long stay only to endure severe gastric distress – bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Five days into her visit in September 2023, Penny was compelled to abort planned activities, including stargazing and a private island tour, as she grappled with the illness that necessitated antibiotics. Alongside Sharon and others, Penny is involved in a collective of 25 travellers who have recruited solicitors to delve into the hygiene practices at the resort and pursue compensation following their dreadful experiences. Sharon, 56, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, flew out to Riu Karamboa for a ten-day getaway on 20 September 2024, reports the Mirror. 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Penny was meanwhile left requiring medical treatment at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes, after she fell poorly five days into the holiday. Since returning home, Penny has been left suffering ongoing anxiety, with the illness having a lasting impact on her confidence and wellbeing. She said: "I was looking forward to my holiday and had saved for months. However, the excitement for the holiday quickly disappeared when I started feeling unwell. It completely ruined what should have been a relaxing time. I've never felt so vulnerable while abroad. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS) "I'm very cautious now regarding where I would book a holiday. This has affected my choices and I travel much shorter distances to Europe as I don't feel confident travelling to further afield places. I no longer trust my body and if I ever eat out I constantly worry about food and how it's prepared. I just want answers as to how my holiday became a nightmare." Law firm Irwin Mitchell is currently representing more than 1,400 holidaymakers who suffered serious illnesses linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022. Jatinder Paul, the international serious injury lawyer representing those who have fallen ill, said: "This is yet another resort in Cape Verde that has come under the spotlight following reports of serious illness. "We're already representing more than 1,400 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays on the islands over the last three years. Illnesses like are serious and can lead to long-term health complications. It's vital that if any issue are identified, swift action is taken to eradicate the risks to other holidaymakers. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS) "While nothing can make up for their ordeals, this latest group we represent understandably want answers. They booked what they hoped would be luxury holidays, but the first-hand accounts we've heard about their holiday were anything but luxury. As part of our investigations, we would be interested in hearing from other guests staying at the hotel at the same time as this group." The Riu Karamboa resort told the Mirror: "For RIU Hotels and Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is our highest priority. That is why we adhere to strict Health and Safety protocols and comply with all applicable regulations. Additionally, we work closely with local health authorities to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and employees. As part of our proactive approach to preventing health issues, we conduct thorough internal and external audits on a regular basis. "Our hotels in Cape Verde, which consist of six properties with a total of 4,650 rooms, maintain an average occupancy rate of over 80%. Given this high level of activity, we continuously monitor our operations to uphold the highest health and safety standards." 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