Hithercroft Road in Wallingford has been closed since Thursday, December 5, due to a raw sewage leak. The issue was first reported by residents in late September after heavy rainfall caused sewage to pool on the road. Local councillor James Barlow and residents raised the alarm, highlighting the risk to public health and the disruption caused to cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists, particularly those accessing St John’s Primary School, the sports park, and the industrial estate.
Thames Water identified the cause of the leak as a burst pipe last week and immediately shut the road to carry out repairs. Sewage has been transported by tanker to treatment facilities in Oxfordshire while work continues. The closure has caused significant disruption, including traffic congestion on narrow streets as large vehicles are rerouted.
Councillor Barlow criticized the incident as a sign of failing infrastructure, emphasizing that more extreme weather events are likely to occur due to climate change. “Our infrastructure is not built for this,” he said.
Repairs are expected to be completed by mid-week, but the road remains closed. Thames Water apologized for the inconvenience and reassured the public that the situation is being addressed as quickly as possible. A company spokesperson confirmed that tankers are being used to ensure services continue for residents and businesses.
This incident adds to a series of recent issues for Thames Water, with the company’s systems under pressure from ongoing weather challenges.
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