Following continual sewage spills in Bessingby Park, Lib Dem Councillor Mike Cox called in Thames Water to investigate.

Thames Water cut through the branches and relined the main sewer. But during a site inspection today with Cllr Mike Cox and local resident Mike Gettleson, Thames Water found a new sewage and water drain they were previously unaware of.

The new drains were built for the Elliot Avenue estate on the site of the former Southbourne School. Thames Water took over the maintenance of these drains from the Council in 1997 but the new drain was not shown on the Council's plans.

It was this "lost" drain that has been causing much of the problem.

Thames Water have promised to survey the drain before Christmas and make any necessary repairs soon after.

Cllr Mike Cox said

"Congratulations to Thames Water for coming out to meet us and getting to the bottom of the problem. Without this inspection the Elliot Avenue drains would have remained "lost" for years and the problems would have continued. I am delighted that after all this time some positive action has been achieved."