Dead cow and TV sets cause sewage floods; FUN DAY GETS A SUNNY DAY.

Byline: MARTIN WILLIAMS

A DEAD cow, chairs and television sets are among the objects being dumped down manholes, causing sewage to flood homes.

Welsh Water revealed there are around 10,000 blockages in sewerage pipes every year, at a cost of pounds 1million to customers.

Each blockage costs pounds 100 to fix, which is why the company organised the Dirty Dozen campaign targeting people who put unsuitable items down the toilet and through manhole covers.

The aim is to make people aware of the top 12 items that are flushed down the toilet causing blockages, including band-ageand plastic bags.

Launching the campaign with a new advertisement at the National Eisteddfod in Bala yesterday, Welsh Water's Helen Smith said: "Blocked sewers are a major problem that cost millions of pounds a year to clear.

"They result in misery to householders when toilets overflow and can pollute water courses. Many of the blockages are the result of people using their toilets as bins, flushing away inappropriate objects."

Ms Smith said among the items dropped down manholes were a dead cow and television sets.

She added: "Our Dirty Dozen film is a fun approach to a serious subject and we hope that young people watching it will take the information on board.

"We know that many will be telling their friends about it."

The firm is upgrading its sewerage network, much of which dates back 50 years and more.

It is estimated that replacing all old sewer pipes immediately could cost as much as pounds 10,000 per household.

Ms Smith added: "The demand on the system has increased greatly in recent years due to urbanisation and the amount of rain water running off roofs and roadways straight into sewers.

"Most old sewer pipes are only four inches in diameter, so they can easily get blocked by a build up of even small items such as cotton buds and wet wipes.

"They definitely can't cope with objects such as nappies - which people sometimes try to flush away."

Welsh Assembly Minister for Environment, Jane Davidson, added: "Sewage flooding from blocked sewers can have a devastating effect on our natural environment and homes, and this enter-taininfilm and campaign explains how we can reduce the risk."

. To see the Dirty Dozen film log on to www.dwrcymru.com.

CAPTION(S):

Among those joining the fun at Wrexham Council's summer play scheme at Queens Square yesterday were Leighton Williams, nine, from Acton (main) and PCSO Angela Allan (inset)