Playing field clean-up after sewage spill (From The Oxford Times)

Playing field clean-up after sewage spill

10:30am Friday 24th February 2012 in Witney

THAMES Water was yesterday clearing up sewage from a playing field in Eynsham to get it ready for weekend sports matches.

The pitches were flooded after fats, oils and grease blocked the village’s sewer network, causing a back-up.

Thames Water had cleared the blockage by Wednesday morning but apologised for the disruption.

Spokesman Natalie Slater said: “We are in the process of clearing up the fields. They should be disinfected and back to normal ready for the sports matches this weekend. We are sorry for the disruption caused.”

But West Oxfordshire District Council member for Eynsham Larry Poole said: “I am frustrated by the lack of communication from Thames Water as to how safe the residue is.”

Eynsham Parish Council chairman Gordon Beach said: “We took the precaution of closing the playing fields because we thought there could well be some sort of health implication. We will be taking it up with Thames Water afterwards.”