As reported in the Driffield Times last week, five gardens on Wansford Road were hit by sewage after heavy rain and it is believed the incident was caused by drains being blocked with cooking fat, a problem some householders believe to have been made worse since the building of a new housing estate nearby.

Now Driffield Town Council is planning to write to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water calling for firmer action to prevent the incident happening again.

Coun Brent Roach said he had contacted water company officials asking what could be done to ease the problem, but believes more agencies should be brought on board to tackle the issue amid public health fears.

Coun Roach said: “While that sewage was lying on the road it was being picked up by vehicles and being transported around the town. What about the environmental damage?

“We should be writing to Yorkshire Water and asking them to investigate fully so the problem should be resolved and put right, that is my proposal.”

Coun Steve Poessl shared Coun Roach’s concerns and said he believed the town could be facing a growing problem.

“The other night up by Highfield Avenue one of the drains had actually collapsed into the fall out drain so the neat sewage was running down the fall out drain and running down Highfield Avenue into people’s houses.”

According to Coun Poessl, when the incident was investigated an alarming discovery was made.

Coun Poessl said: “The drains up Highfield Avenue have never been adopted so the responsibility for the drains around that area is down to the householders.

“As a result, they will be charged for the cost of having that drain repaired.”

Driffield Town Council hs agreed to write to the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council asking for advice on safeguarding the area’s drainage system and to try and find out who has ultimate responsibility for the drains.