Residents in a Willenhall street could all have to fork out to have their sewers cleared in future because the council is fed up with people blocking them with nappies and baby wipes.
The threat has outraged some people living on the Kingfisher Estate who say they are being unfairly penalised because of thoughtless parents.
Walsall Council contractors were called by residents in Glaisedale Grove to investigate blockages and found scores of nappies and baby wipes, and even small towels down the sewer.
People in the street have now been warned that if the council takes legal action to have the drain cleaned of future blockages they will have to foot the bill.
And residents are kicking up a stink over the plans.
Brian Green, aged 35, of Glaisedale Grove said he thought it was ridiculous that people without children could be billed.
He said: “I think what the council have to remember is not everyone here has children or is even using nappies or baby wipes.
“I’m not going to fork out to fix the drains when I’ve done nothing wrong.”
A letter sent to homeowners from Walsall Council’s environmental health department said contractors working on behalf of residents had identified a significant amount of nappies, baby wipes, and towels in the sewer. It said: “In general terms sewers are not designed to take this type of waste and this can lead to blockages. The blockages build until they overflow into people’s toilets or inspection chambers.”
David Elrington, senior principal environmental health officer at Walsall Council also warned that “regular blockages can cause stress on the pipes that can lead to breakages and other defects”.
He added: “Should further blockages occur the council will take legal action to have the system cleansed and have any necessary repair work carried out, the cost of which could be forwarded to all house owners.”
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