Foul smells spark calls to fix Tipton drains
Angry residents are calling for immediate action to be taken over foul smells that have plagued a Tipton street for over a year.
The odours are being caused by blocked drains, in Aston Street.
Affected householders say the problem has been exacerbated by the recent hot weather, stopping them from being able to enjoy the sunshine outside in their gardens.
Resident Gloria Williams, aged 69, said: "When the sewer at the end of the street gets full up the smell comes up through the drains and into our house.
"Since this hot weather started it has been horrendous. You can't even sit in the back garden because every now and again the wind picks up the smell."
As a temporary solution Sandwell Council staff have been pouring bleach down the drains, but councillors are now urging Severn Trent Water to fix the problem for good.
Severn Trent spokesperson Sarah-Jayne O'Kane said: "We have found that the manhole cover has a gap which could be allowing smell to escape. We are sending another team out shortly to do a full investigation to find out why there is an issue and then to get on and solve it."
But Councillor Joanne Hadley, of Great Bridge ward, said the water company had told her it could take up to two weeks before any action. She said: "It is not on. This has gone on long enough."
