Response from our MP Edward Morello regarding the growing petition about sewage discharges affecting the River Wriggle and the Wriggle Valley.

He informed me that the issue was discussed at his constituency meeting on Friday due to the strength of the petition and that it was rapidly gaining signatures. He has written directly to the Chief Executive of Wessex Water asking for clarity on when the company will deliver the promised infrastructure improvements. This includes the proposed sewer relining scheme covering Yetminster, Leigh and Chetnole, which the company says should reduce winter pressure on the sewer system.

Mr Morello did not mention the untreated sewage being discharged into the river Wriggle which was disappointing.

I replied to his email and pointed out that research has shown that relining a sewer pipe does not remove Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). Relining repairs the structure of the pipe but does not increase its capacity or separate rainwater from sewage. When the system is overwhelmed, the overflow can still discharge into rivers.

I informed him that residents were told that the significant investment carried out in 2023–2024 to replace the sewer pipeline between Yetminster and the pumping station near Beer Hackett would address the problems affecting Brister End and the River Wriggle. Yet the system still discharges untreated sewage onto Brister End and JetVac clearing is frequently required to clear the sewers.

While it is positive that the issue is now being raised directly with Wessex Water at a senior level, the campaign continues.

Over 700 people have already signed the petition, showing just how strongly our community feels about protecting the Wriggle Valley.

We will continue gathering evidence, monitoring discharge data and arranging independent water testing so the true condition of our river is properly recorded.

If you have not yet signed the petition, please do so and continue sharing it.

Together we can push for real action to protect the River Wriggle.