Southport, a small town in Merseyside, is currently facing a major issue with a persistent and unpleasant smell that has been plaguing the area for the past five years. Referred to locally as the “stink pipe,” the source of the foul odor has been identified as a combination of sewage and wastewater. The problem has become so severe that it is affecting local businesses and residents, prompting calls for action from the community.
Local councillor Mike Sammon has taken up the cause and has managed to secure a detailed report from United Utilities regarding the issue on Cambridge Road in Southport. The report sheds light on the causes of the smell and the steps being taken to address it, providing some hope for the residents and business owners who have been suffering from the noxious fumes.
Jennifer Berrett, who runs the DBA School of Dance on Cambridge Road, has been dealing with the smell for the past three years. She describes the unpleasant odor as a combination of “rotten fishtails, expired milk, and eggs,” while others have likened it to the smell of sewage. The smell has become such a problem that it affects the atmosphere outside the dance studio, making it difficult for parents to linger and chat while waiting for their children.
Another local business owner, Lesley Macbain of House of Mojos hairdressers, has been forced to move shops due to the overpowering smell. She describes how the odor has made it impossible to keep the door open on hot days, impacting the overall experience for her customers and hindering her ability to attract new business. The ongoing issue has caused frustration among business owners like Lesley, who believe that a simple solution could alleviate the problem and improve the area’s appeal for future development.
Councillor Mike Sammon has been a vocal advocate for the affected residents and business owners, pushing for accountability and action from United Utilities. His efforts have led to a meeting with management at a United Utilities plant, where he received a detailed report outlining the causes of the smell and the steps being taken to address it. While progress has been made, Cllr Sammon emphasizes the need for ongoing commitment from United Utilities to resolve the issue once and for all.
Root Causes and Solutions
The report from United Utilities highlights some of the root causes of the smell, including an air vent located on Cambridge Road that had been filled with concrete, causing sewerage to spill from the chamber and exacerbating the problem. The report also mentions the travel of waste through pipework and the geographical distance as contributing factors to the issue. United Utilities has since removed the blockage and taken steps to minimize the odors emitted from the pumping station.
According to the report, it takes between two to four hours for sewage to be pumped from Crowland Street to the Cambridge Road discharge chamber, further complicating the issue. While United Utilities has made efforts to address the problem, Cllr Sammon stresses the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to prevent the recurrence of the smell in the future.
Community Response and Future Actions
The ongoing smell issue has garnered widespread attention in the Southport community, with residents and business owners expressing their frustrations and concerns about the impact on their daily lives. Cllr Sammon has proposed the installation of a specific reporting button on the United Utilities website to allow residents to report issues related to sewage and odors, a suggestion that is currently under consideration by the company.
A spokesperson for United Utilities acknowledges the concerns raised by residents and business owners in Southport and assures that steps have been taken to reduce the odors emitted from the pumping station. The company continues to monitor the situation and explore additional measures to further minimize any unpleasant smells in the area.
In conclusion, the ‘stink pipe’ nightmare in Southport has been a persistent problem for the past five years, affecting the quality of life for residents and business owners in the area. While progress has been made in identifying the root causes of the smell and taking steps to address it, ongoing monitoring and maintenance will be crucial to ensuring that the issue is fully resolved. The community’s response and advocacy, led by Councillor Mike Sammon, demonstrate the importance of holding accountable those responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that impacts the daily lives of residents and businesses.