Lambeg bridge sewage worry

The local man said he has witnessed women, men and children walking along a pedestrian bridge near the old Coca Cola factory.

He said, “I would like to draw your attention to a sewage spill on the iron pedestrian bridge crossing on the River Lagan on the Tullynacross Road.

“This is a very regular occurance and as the bridge is used on a daily basis by walkers, cyclists and parents taking their children to the local school.”

He went on, “If this was a one off occurance it would not be too bad but for the past few years I have watched women men and children walking through untreated sewage, everytime there is even an average amount of rainfall.

“Sadly those responsible seem to think this is acceptable.”

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Water said: “NI Water responded to reports of an out of sewer flooding incident at The Green, Lambeg, Lisburn on Thursday, July 14. Staff attended the site, located and cleared the blockage,” the spokesperson said.

“A follow up CCTV investigation of the sewer and a desilt operation will be carried out to ensure it is running freely and there are no further blockages.

“NI Water would appeal to the public to help keep our sewers clear by ensuring inappropriate items are put in the bin. The ‘Dirty Dozen’ are the 12 most common items people flush down their toilets and dump into sewers.

“The ring leader is the baby wipe, closely followed by sanitary towels. These ordinary household items head a gang of everyday products that cause mayhem with the sewer system when flushed down the toilet or dumped in the sewers.

“Many people genuinely don’t realise the damage they are doing, not only to their own internal pipes, but also to the sewerage system they share with their neighbours. It is only when faced with blocked drains and out of sewer flooding that they realise those ‘harmless wipes’ are creating chaos. Even those that claim to be flushable should be put in the bin.

“NI Water is fighting a daily battle to clear blocked sewers at a cost of over £2.5m every year.”