Slurry dumped on Colchester green after water main burst

A STRETCH of green space on a Colchester housing estate has been left a muddy mess after workers "accidentally" dumped slurry while trying to fix a burst water main. 

Work was underway by gas company Cadent in Willows Estate when disaster struck on Saturday. 

During efforts to remove excess water, a large quantity of gravel slurry was accidentally emptied on to the green space. 

It has left a large swathe of the grassy area covered in mud. 

The Gazette understands it may not be until June that the area is reinstated. 

Ward councillor Dave Harris has described it as "appalling." 

He said: “It is appalling and upsetting for local residents to see this mess."

Mr Harris said that the 30 to 40 metre squared damaged area smelled like “detritus that had come from underneath the ground”.

He has suggested instead that Cadent should have taken away it on a truck instead of "dumping it on council land".

Community - Councillor Dave Harris said the green space used by the community has been affected (Image: Submitted)
A spokesman for Cadent said: “We are currently carrying out a mains replacement programme in and around The Willows, Colchester, to install tough new pipes which will last for decades, future proofing the local network and keeping thousands of homes warm.  
“During the course of our work, we discovered a water leak. We carried out emergency repairs which meant that excavation debris needed to be moved quickly and safely. Following discussions with the local Highways Authority, it was agreed to use the land on the local green."  

The Cadent spokesman added that following completion of their work, which is due to finish in early June, that they "will ensure the site and the green are fully cleared and reinstated.” 

Scale - The muddy area is about 30 to 40 metres squared (Image: Submitted)

A spokesperson for Colchester City Council said: “We understand residents' concerns regarding the recent damage to the green space at Willows Estate.

“A water pipe at the junction with Wych Elm, further down the road from the open space, ruptured during gas engineering works, which resulted in unintended damage to the green area. Unfortunately, during efforts to remove excess water, a large quantity of earth/gravel slurry was accidentally emptied onto the green space.

“Cadent, the gas engineers, are arranging for the area to be top soiled and grass seeded. Following this, the pathways will be jet washed

“We acknowledge this was an unfortunate series of events and apologise for any inconvenience caused to residents. We will continue to work closely with Cadent to ensure a swift and effective resolution.”

Dave Harris is standing for election for the Berechurch ward on Thursday. 

The other candidates are Karen Chaplin (Lib), John Clifton (Grn) and Bevan Waghorn (Con).