Anglian Water appealing to householders not to block sewers in Sleaford with fat

The water company has published images of a manhole brim full of fat in the town, along with others in Peterborough, Woodbridge and Spalding.

They say on their Twitter account: "Our key worker sewer teams have a tough job keeping the pipes flowing and protecting rivers – especially when fat causes blockages. Here’s some manholes they've lifted in Woodbridge, Peterborough, Spalding and Sleaford recently. Remember: fat down the sink causes a stink!"

Last year, it reports having had to clear over 40,000 blockages in its region - costing the company £19million a year.

Over half of the sewer blockages in our region are caused by fat, oil and grease and 'unflushables' (sanitary towels and wipes) which can cause flooding and environmental pollution, which is distressing, costly to put right, and potentially devastating for wildlife and our local waterways and seas.

As a result its Keep it Clear campaign, supporting residents to reduce these blockages. Eighty per cent of all these blockages are completely avoidable through simple behaviour changes. So far, they have dropped by an average of 52 per cent.

They say: "Our Keep It Clear campaign helps reduce the misery, cost, bad smells and potential flooding and pollution caused by avoidable blockages."