THE LENGTH of time it has taken to address a sewage leak problem in the River Ockment has angered local residents.

Town councillor Bill Bourne said there had been several complaints about the 'unsightly' sewage leak at West Bridge which could be seen when the river was low.

'The problem has been there for some time and it was reported to the Environment Agency over a month ago,' he said.

'The town clerk contacted the EA and South West Water but nothing seems to be happening,

'It is not a danger to the public and there is no fishing season at the moment but it's not very pleasant. When you look over the bridge you can see this sewage slick.'

Paul Breakwell from South West Water said the company was aware of the problem.

'We don't think it is an issue of solids going into the river but there is some liquid spilling out.'

'What we need to do is investigate exactly where the problem is and exactly where the breach is in whatever pipe although we have a fairly good idea of the rough area involved.

'Once we know what is required we can go in and repair the pipe as quickly as possible.'