Pee, Poo & Paper

A Message to All Residents: Protecting Our Drains, Our Play Areas, and Our Environment

The Parish Council wishes to update residents on the recent sewage overflow in the Foxden Play Area. Investigations by the utility company confirmed that the incident was caused by a blockage in the underground pipes, created by flushed wet wipes, cotton buds, nappies, and other non‑flushable items.

These items may seem harmless when they disappear from view, but once inside the drainage system they bind together, snag on pipework, and form large, stubborn blockages. The only things that should ever be flushed are the 3Ps: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper.

The UK Government reminds households that the wastewater pipe running from your home to the public sewer is typically only 10 cm wide, narrower than the diameter of a DVD. It is designed for water and degradable toilet paper only. Anything else, especially wipes and sanitary products that often contain plastics, can quickly cause pipes to clog. When that happens, the consequences can be severe: sewage backing up into homes, gardens, neighbouring properties, and—as we have just seen—public spaces used by children and families.

Beyond the immediate disruption, these blockages have wider environmental impacts. When sewers overflow, untreated waste can enter soil, waterways, and wildlife habitats. Plastics from wipes and sanitary items break down into microplastics, which persist in the environment for decades and can harm birds, fish, and other local wildlife. Clearing blockages also requires heavy machinery and additional energy use, increasing the carbon footprint of our wastewater system.

Preventing this is simple.

• Keep a small bin in your bathroom for all personal hygiene items, wipes (even those labelled “flushable”), nappies, cotton buds, dental floss, and anything else that is not one of the 3Ps.
• When using public toilets, please make use of the bins provided.
• If you use cleaning wipes or cosmetic wipes, dispose of them with household waste—never down the toilet.

By following these small steps, each household plays a vital part in protecting our shared environment, reducing pollution, and preventing costly and unpleasant incidents like the one at Foxden Play Area.

Thank you for your continued care for our community and its green spaces.