VILLAGERS on Exmoor were left fearing for the welfare of otters, fish, and other wildlife in the River Avill as a mains sewer pipe leaked raw sewage into it for a week.

Farmer Oliver Hill said he reported to Wessex Water and the Environment Agency that sewage was pouring across a Timberscombe field next to the river as it spilled from a manhole cover on the main sewer pipe running from Wheddon Cross to Dunster.

Mr Hill said he had lost count of the number of times sewage spills had happened on the land he rented from the Bath and Wells Diocese over the past few years.

He said: “This is the second or third time this winter.

Raw sewage forcing itself through a sewer pipe manhole cover and running toward the River Avill, in Timberscombe.
Raw sewage forcing itself through a sewer pipe manhole cover and running toward the River Avill, in Timberscombe. PHOTO: Oliver Hill. (Oliver Hill)

“I was told the whole system is knackered.

“They have not sorted the problem at all, they are just palming people off.

“This is raw sewage going straight to the River Avill, straight down through the Avill valley, and straight into the sea.

“They are going on about farmers for our phosphate run-off, unsafe slurry stores, keeping cattle out and cattle in, and they get away with this.

“It is ridiculous. I am fed up with it now.”

Mr Hill said previously when he had put sheep in the field many of the animals suffered eye infections and required treatment by a veterinary surgeon.

However, he had been unable to prove the infections were a direct result of a sewage spill.

He said the point where the sewage was entering the river was just above a bridge where children played in the water in summer and owners exercised their dogs all year round.

Sewage can be seen flowing through a field in Timberscombe and toward the River Avill.
Sewage can be seen flowing through a field in Timberscombe and toward the River Avill. PHOTO: Oliver Hill. (Oliver Hill)

Mr Hill said he was frustrated that the Environment Agency seemed to hassle farmers over effluent run-off but did not appear to touch water companies which allowed sewage to spill into watercourses.

Timberscombe Parish Council discussed the issue at a meeting last week and is taking it up with West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger through local Somerset Cllr Steven Pugsley.

Wessex Water was asked for a response but none had yet been received by the Free Press, although it was understood on Monday (March 4) that officials had visited the field, called Bottoms, and cordoned off the affected area with orange colour tape.

The Free Press has also asked the Environment Agency if it wanted to respond to the criticism made of it.