Warning over Weston Rhyn sewerage

Campaigners have warned water bosses that a village near Oswestry will face an "environmental health disaster" unless the sewage infrastructure is improved quickly.

More than 40 people attended a public meeting in St Martins last night to hear concerns that the water treatment infrastructure in the village was now in crisis.

The talks were organised by the 3P Water Forum, which is made up of residents from Weston Rhyn, St Martins and Gobowen, and was attended by representatives from Severn Trent, Welsh Water and Shropshire Council, along with local councillors.

Among the concerns raised was that people in Weston Rhyn and some in St Martins have to pay an extra £150 in water charges because their sewage is disposed of by Welsh Water.

But Glenn Pennington, a member of the forum, said concerns were also raised that underground sewage infrastructure in St Martins had become overloaded and needed urgent investment.

He said: "One concern is some residents are paying more for their bills than others. We have asked for everyone in Weston Rhyn and those affected in St Martins to be dealt with by Severn Trent.

"Planning permission has been given for a further 75 homes in the village and this could cause the infrastructure to collapse.

"We have an environmental health disaster ahead of us unless action is taken and investment made."

Mr Pennington said he hoped water bosses would listen to the concerns.