Call for action over 'sewage in streets' in Market Drayton
Residents are demanding action over sewage problems which have left waste floating down the streets and drainage issues, amid plans that hundreds of homes could be built in the town.
Separate plans for 250 homes off Greenfields Lane and 162 homes either side of Rush Lane in Market Drayton were approved last year amid a storm of opposition.
However, an appeal has now been launched by Gladmans Development Limited challenging the planning conditions which will determine how the 162-home site integrates with nearby developments. Now residents are urging people to attend the appeal hearing on March 18 at 10am at the Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton.
They say the homes will have a huge impact on the town's current sewage system.
Josie and Gerald Brandon have lived on Rush Lane for 41 years. Mrs Brandon said: "Before considering any new housing developments the town services need to be critically evaluated.
"Market Drayton Medical Practice is struggling with the current population. What is it going to be like with potentially another 2,000 people if 400-plus houses are allowed to be built.
"Local schools are already at capacity therefore class sizes would have to increase to meet demand, resulting in the stretching of already limited resources to the point the education of the town's children could begin to suffer."
Mr and Mrs Brandon said another area they were concerned about was the regular occurrence of sewage leaking out onto the road.
She said: "There is already a problem with the sewage system of the town. It is a nightmare. Soiled toilet paper, personal hygiene products and human waste has been seen gushing out of manhole covers, running down the road and collecting along hedgerows/roadside around the Farcroft Estate/Farcroft Drive, Bridge Road/Longslow Road area.
"This is not an isolated incident but becoming a regular occurrence. Raw sewage has major health risks (from bacteria and viruses) not only to those living in the area but to people, children and animals passing by. This clearly indicates that the towns sewage system cannot keep up with current demands so what is going to happen when 400 more houses are built in that area and connected to these inadequate systems?
"Another major issue, there is a proposal for an additional roundabout, speed restrictions and new openings on the A53 to accommodate these new developments.
"The town's services and infrastructure has got to be addressed before any more housing developments are permitted – if not our town will be destroyed.
"I would not say anything if there were no houses for sale in the area but looking at the local estate agents there are lots of properties for sale, some of which have been on the market for a considerable length of time.
"I would encourage the people of Market Drayton to stand up for their town now and voice their concerns before it's too late."
