Disgusting discharge into the River Bann

Robert Anderson, who operates the River Bann Cruises on the Lady Sandel, saw the stomach-churning material flowing into the river near Riversdale.

Among the items gushing into the waterway were sanitary towels, condoms and faeces.

"I had my camera with me and was able to take pictures. It was absolutely disgusting," said Robert who contacted the Times to complain.

"This is completely unacceptable given that Northern Ireland Water spent 40m on a wastewater treatment plant in Portrush. I keep getting the same reply from them that it is not solid waste, but it clearly is."

Robert added that the disgusting material could be seen by nearby river users including rowers, canoeists and anglers.

"I have brought this issue up at the Harbour Commissioners in the past and councillor Barney Fitzpatrick has been keen that Coleraine Borough Council do something about it."

Robert said he was calling on Northern Ireland Water to take immediate action to protect the habitat and the health and safety of those using the river.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Water said: "Following torrential rain on Wednesday, August 18, the Riversdale Sewage Pumping Station and storm tanks became overwhelmed which resulted in a consented discharge of storm water from an Emergency Relief Overflow (ERO) into the River Bann.

"An ERO is designed to discharge whenever the system becomes overwhelmed to avoid the storm water from backing up into customers' homes. This particular ERO is consented by Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

"The items found in the river, specifically sanitary towels and condoms, are there because they are being flushed down toilets when they should be placed in the bin.

"Sanitary towels and baby wipes are one of the key causes of blocked drains in Northern Ireland and cost NI Water more than 1.7 million to clear every year.

"The safe and proper disposal of these items can help reduce the risk of blocked drains and sewers and the likelihood of flooding to properties and the pollution of watercourses."