Woolton Hill nature reserve affected by sewage leak

Thames Water confirmed today (Mon) that due to heavy rain over the weekend, the sewage pumping station at Blindmans Gate, Woolton Hill, off the A343 Andover Road, became overloaded with stormwater.
“This caused a small amount of sewage to spill into a nearby stream,” said Craig Rance, a spokesman for Thames Water, adding tankers had been used to remove the sewage until the problem eased and continued:
“Even though the impact was minimal, any pollution incident is deeply regrettable and we’re very sorry for the mess this caused.”
Woolton Hill villager, Peter Poernig, said there appeared to be a considerable amount of effluent, likely to once more pollute the neighbouring National Trust owned nature reserve The Chase (pictured following the incident).
“It is quite evident that effluent is flowing towards the stream,” said Mr Poernig, adding the leakage was, he said: “Quite considerable.” while pointing out the leakages were occurring regularly, a situation likely to escalate as more homes were built, overloading the sewerage system and due to climatic changes causing wetter weather.
In November last year, Thames Water sent tankers to The Chase, which the company said were on standby to prevent any further sewage spills at the beauty spot, due to heavy rain.
The Chase was closed for two weeks in September last year, following a sewage leak at the site, the third in recent years, the worst of which was in July 2006 and which killed thousands of fish.
Update 5.20pm
The National Trust, owners of The Chase, have confirmed the site remains open to the public, following the incident.
A spokeswoman for the trust, Joanna Crosse, said: "National Trust staff have visited the site and have confirmed they can see no sign of pollution. The Chase is considered safe to walkers and remains fully open to the public."