A MAJOR operation is underway on Portland after concrete was poured into the sewage network during building works - and the situation has been described as "a complete mess" by a local councillor.

Wessex Water said a third-party company has caused around 70 metres of sewage pipe to become blocked with concrete.

The water utility company is now carrying out emergency work along Brandy Row, Brandy Lane and the Esplanade to bypass the damaged section of pipe and remove the concrete. The Echo understands that the incident occurred after piling work was carried out at a nearby building site.

Dorset Echo: Wessex Water is carrying out work on the promenade at Chesil Beach Picture: Ali BiggsWessex Water is carrying out work on the promenade at Chesil Beach Picture: Ali Biggs

Work to rectify the issue is now expected to continue until the end of January 2021 and Wessex Water has had to close off part of the promenade at Chesil Beach, as well as closing off parking bays.

Dorset Echo: The sewer network has been blocked by concrete, Wessex Water said Picture: Ali BiggsThe sewer network has been blocked by concrete, Wessex Water said Picture: Ali Biggs

Portland councillor Rob Hughes described chaotic scenes and said numerous residents have raised concerns.

"It's complete mess," he said. "It was causing a problem over the weekend for beach visitors and divers due to the loss of parking; half the parking bays in Chiswell are closed off - it's a bit of a nightmare.

"We don't know who made the mistake or who is at fault - but I understand the issue was caused when they were doing the piling at the nearby building site."

Dorset Echo: Wessex Water said the emergency repair works will be ongoing until next year Picture: Ali BiggsWessex Water said the emergency repair works will be ongoing until next year Picture: Ali Biggs

Cllr Hughes explained that blocked outlets have caused a series of floods in recent months.

He added: "I know the residents in Brandy Row have suffered really badly - one of them had five floods this year - they have really suffered.

"We had a torrential downpour a few months ago which blocked up the outlets from the building site and blocked up the gulley that runs along Brandy Row. The flooding was caused by the company filling an overflow drain with concrete after breaking through it, from what I understand. It certainly didn't ever flood like this before - now, if it rains in the slightest, water is pouring out.

"I was down at the beach yesterday and over the weekend - half the promenade is closed off but people are still fighting their way through to try and walk along the prom."

Dorset Echo: Emergency work in progress Picture: Boots ComanEmergency work in progress Picture: Boots Coman

Nearby resident Jo Morland said: "I watched the fountain coming out of the drains when we had a torrential downpour earlier in the year - I understand the drain had been blocked during a piling operation.

"One of my neighbours got in touch with Wessex Water and said 'this can't be right' - the water was basically fountaining out of a manhole cover, it was that strong. My thoughts were for the poor people in those houses affected by flooding."

Portland resident Stuart Morris said the concrete has blocked a storm overflow that carries water from the main sewer in High Street.

He said: "It was laid in around 1901 to discharge overflowing storm water to the beach, the outfall being later incorporated in the sea wall. With its access to the outfall blocked, in heavy rainfall the water will gush out where it can, potentially flooding nearby properties in Brandy Row."

George Taylor, director of sewerage at Wessex Water, said: “Due to the amount of concrete in the pipe, it will take a considerable amount of time to carry out repairs. The section of damaged pipe is almost 70 metres long and runs underground.

“We have specialist teams who will be working in the area for many weeks to ensure customer sewerage services are maintained, while we carry out emergency repairs to the pipework.”

Wessex Water has written to local residents to keep them informed and explained what the work involves.

In the letter, residents are advised that the emergency repairs won’t be completed until late January 2021.

Engineers will have a short break over the Christmas holiday and noise disruption will be kept to a minimum during the works.

The water board said it is "unlikely" that engineers will need to enter nearby homes, but will carry identification if access is needed, as well as following Covid-19 procedures.

Residents with questions or concerns should call 0345 600 4 600 or visit wessexwater.co.uk