THE Salisbury River Park project will have to be delayed after a sewage leak in the River Avon.

Caused by a blocked sewer under the Castle Street railway bridge, the Environmental Agency are onsite to investigate more efficient ways of removing the sewage that was discharged. 

The Environmental Agency tweeted yesterday (October 31) to say that it and Wessex Water had contained the sewage, which was discharged from a burst, blocked sewer. 

It added that employees are on-site to ensure that the sewage pollution is cleaned up safely and has now been contained.

Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Waste and Flooding, Cllr Dr Mark McClelland said the council is "disgusted and horrified at the sewage contamination", adding: “Unfortunately, this setback will cause a delay to the Salisbury River Park project delivery; however, we can still look forward to the completion of this transformative project, which will reduce flood risk to more than 350 Salisbury homes and businesses and bring ecological, amenity, walking and cycling benefits to the city.”

Read more: Sewage discharge affects Salisbury River Park

When asked to verify the extent of the delay, Wiltshire Council said work has stopped while the investigation and clean up takes place but were unable to comment further.  

The project is a collaborative project between Wiltshire Council and the Environment Agency with the aim of alleviating the risk of flooding and improving the riverside setting by creating a park along the river ensuring undisturbed wildlife areas.