AN APPLESHAW resident is growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of Hampshire’s chalk streams, with tankers being constantly stationed by his house.

Southern Water has been working in Appleshaw to combat blocked-up toilets, with water getting into the system, at the Walnut Tree pub since Christmas.

A resident and lifelong campaigner for chalk streams, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was told this morning (January 27) by Southern Water that there would now be tankers pumping near his house for 24 hours a day and not the usual 7am to 9pm shift.

However, his main concern is that sewage is being pumped into the nearby winterbourne which feeds into the Pillhill Brook, the River Anton and the River Test.

READ MORE: Southern Water plans to pump wastewater into River Test

The Appleshaw resident and campaigner said: “Since the winterbourne has been running, water has been getting into the sewerage of the pub. That’s why there are tankers here constantly pumping. By polluting this stream, they’re polluting our precious chalk streams.

“This is happening all over the county. I’ve been a fisherman for more than 50 years and have campaigned all my life to have these rivers protected.

“What they need to do is fix the problem and stop the pub’s toilets from overflowing for good. Sewage is definitely getting into the winterbourne, you can see from a glance. If water can get into the pub’s sewerage, water can get out.

“People would be up in arms if they knew this was happening and I’m convinced this is not just one isolated issue. Southern Water should be made to stop or at least pay for the sewage getting into the rivers.

“Having tankers here 24/7 is one thing that makes me anxious with the noise and the flashing – I get no sleep but then they polluting our chalk streams too. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do anything about it.”

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However, the landlord of the Walnut Tree Pub, Tony Burden, has applauded Southern Water’s efforts and said he has not been informed pumping would now be for 24 hours a day.

He said: “Southern Water has done an excellent job and I hope they keep it up. Their work has had no affect on our customers or work at all. They are doing their best and that’s all we can ask for.”

Southern Water has been contacted for comment.

Southern Water recently informed residents in Chilbolton and Longparish of plans to flush out wastewater into the River Test 

The utility company explained that its network in Chilbolton is under severe pressure due to high levels of groundwater infiltrating its way into sewers and private pipes, and it has to remove excess flows to prevent the area from flooding.