A video showing raw sewage and wastewater gushing from a manhole cover in a Wirral woodland has raised serious concerns about pollution in the area. A local resident who captured the footage claims similar incidents have been occurring for several years, impacting the local environment and wildlife near the River Fender.
The spill, which took place on September 19 near Upton, prompted a response from water company United Utilities, who have since conducted a clean-up operation and announced long-term plans to address the issue.
Key Takeaways
- A video recorded on September 19 shows a significant sewage spill in a woodland area in Wirral following heavy rain.
- Local resident Alan Howgate reported a similar incident in April and believes the problem is a recurring issue dating back several years.
- United Utilities has acknowledged the problem, attributing it to network issues and heavy rainfall, and has scheduled improvement works for Spring 2026.
- Concerns have been raised over the environmental impact on the nearby River Fender, which a 2022 study found to have 'poor' levels of fish and invertebrates.
Video Shows Raw Sewage Overflow in Wirral Woodland
Footage captured last week by Wirral resident Alan Howgate shows a significant volume of water mixed with sewage, toilet paper, and wipes overflowing from a manhole cover. The incident occurred in a woodland area near storm tanks operated by United Utilities.
The location is close to a public footpath that runs alongside the River Fender, situated between Felthorpe Close and Upton Park Drive in Upton. Mr. Howgate recorded the video on September 19 after a period of heavy rainfall.
He described the scene, stating, “It was gushing water with wipes and toilet paper.” This was not the first time he had witnessed such an event. He noted that after a previous spill, the area was littered with discarded items, including toys.
Timeline of Recent Events
- September 17: The Environment Agency contacts United Utilities about the manhole.
- September 18: United Utilities carries out a site visit and a clean-up operation.
- September 19: Following heavy rain, Alan Howgate records a new, significant spill from the same manhole.
A History of Concerns and Previous Reports
Mr. Howgate first reported the issue to United Utilities in April of this year. He expressed frustration that the response seemed to focus on clean-ups rather than permanent solutions. “They said they would investigate it, we have fixed the lid, and we have got a plan to clean up the wipes and sewage,” he recalled from his initial contact.
Following the April report, he said the water company installed a fence to prevent livestock from a nearby farm from coming into contact with the contaminated area. However, the problem persisted.
To support his claim of a long-term issue, Mr. Howgate pointed to satellite imagery from Google Earth. He believes these images show evidence of regular spills in the same location, with visible discolouration stretching from the woodland towards the River Fender. This discoloured patch, varying between 300 and 500 square metres, is visible in images dating as far back as March 2018.
“Why are they just doing little jobs instead of repairing it? They went in with tractors and diggers and cleaned it all up. What is the use of doing all that when you are not solving the problem?”
– Alan Howgate, Wirral Resident
Environmental Impact on Local Wildlife
The repeated spills have raised significant concerns about the health of the local ecosystem, particularly the River Fender. Mr. Howgate, who has conducted his own surveys of the river, reported finding very few animal species, leading him to believe it is heavily contaminated.
“The wildlife is trying to survive alongside us. It’s trying to survive and we are doing nothing to help it. It’s very annoying,” he said. “We just use rivers as highways for our rubbish.”
River Fender Health Status
According to a 2022 study by the Environment Agency, the ecological health of the River Fender is under strain. The study concluded that levels of fish and invertebrates in the river were 'poor', although its overall rating was 'moderate'.
Mr. Howgate questioned the approach taken by the utility company, asking why a more permanent fix was not implemented after his initial report in April, which could have prevented further environmental damage and costly clean-up operations. “Instead of a half-hearted job, do a proper job,” he urged.
United Utilities Responds with Long-Term Plan
United Utilities has acknowledged the recent incident and outlined its plans for the area. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the cause and the immediate response.
“Following heavy, sustained rain, an issue on our network caused flooding from a manhole. Our team attended the site and carried out a full clean-up,” the spokesperson stated.
The company explained that the area suffers from “complex hydraulic issues” and that a long-term solution is in development. “We have recently secured funding to make improvements, including creating more storage. Work will start in Spring 2026,” the representative confirmed.
In the interim, United Utilities has committed to taking immediate action to mitigate future risks. “An extensive cleaning of the network is set to take place immediately to stop blockages and reduce flood risk,” the spokesperson added.
The company also emphasized its broader commitment to environmental protection, referencing its current investment program. “We are on with delivering the largest ever environmental investment programme the North West has ever seen, transforming over 500km of waterways across the region.”
The Environment Agency has advised that any member of the public who suspects pollution in waterways should report it immediately via their 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060.