
Thames Water hopeful of sewage flooding solution in Horley
He told BBC Radio Surrey that he was pleased Thames Water was acting, but he had reported the company to the Environment Agency and regulator Ofwat "to try and put maximum pressure on them to act".Ms Sharples said in her letter that Thames Water would "explore all options to bring forward" mitigation measures and were "carrying out the necessary surveys" to confirm its short-term solution will be effective."I am therefore not able to provide precise details just yet, but will be able to give you a more detailed explanation in June, and I remain hopeful of a solution being in place this summer," she wrote.She added that Thames Water was also "developing a long-term plan to carry out further mitigation".Coghlan said: "The proof will be in the pudding of whether they actually deliver."
Mr Pelham said that his garden had been flooded in November and in January.The floodwater tested positive for E. Coli and high levels of ammonia and phosphates, according to the Lee Street resident."In places it was waist deep and up to your knees pretty much everywhere else," he said."Let's hope that they not only sort the immediate issue out, but futureproof it for any other developments that are happening, and hopefully it won't ever happen again."Water quality campaign group River Mole River Watch said Horley Sewage Treatment Works had received "a woeful lack of investment" for decades.

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Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
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is highly contagious and can easily spread in schools, nurseries or hospitals 🚨 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections increased by 26% last year, according to the latest data. The highest number of cases was in children under the age of four. The possible cause of the rise has been put down to contaminated salad leaves. People are being urged to look out for the signs and symptoms of after cases increased by 26% last year, according to the latest data from the UKHSA. There were 2,544 cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections reported in 2024, an increase of 26.1% compared to 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The highest number of cases was in children under four, with possible reasons including less immunity, underdeveloped hygiene practices, parents seeking care when children were symptomatic, and potential exposure risks, such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. There were five STEC outbreaks in 2024; the largest was linked to contaminated salad leaves, which resulted in 293 cases. Of this, 126 cases needed hospital care, 11 developed life-threatening complications, and there were two deaths. Cases of a deadly strain of rose by 26% last year. |Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at UKHSA, said: 'STEC cases rose by around a quarter in 2024. While this rise is partly due to one foodborne outbreak, we have been seeing STEC cases gradually increase since 2022, and therefore it's important for people to take steps to prevent infection. 'If you have any STEC symptoms, like mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is important for parents to make sure that young children wash their hands with soap and hot water and dry them thoroughly before eating, where possible, especially after playing outdoors and visiting pet farms. If you are travelling abroad, it's important to remember routine hygiene practices to reduce your chances of becoming unwell. 'Rarely STEC can progress to cause kidney failure and life-threatening illness, particularly in young children and the elderly. Please consult your GP or healthcare professional if you have blood in your stools or severe dehydration, and continue to hydrate yourself.' What is E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a common strain of in the UK, with cases rising sharply since last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the symptoms of a STEC infection? The symptoms of a STEC infection can last up to two weeks. For some people, they can be mild, including diarrhoea, or even no symptoms at all. However, for others, symptoms can include mild to bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and dehydration. A small percentage of patients may develop a serious life-threatening complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure. Is contagious? is highly infectious; only a few bacteria are needed to cause illness. An infection can easily spread amongst families or in settings such as nurseries, primary schools, hospitals, or nursing homes. How can you avoid getting an infection? If you have symptoms of STEC, you should wash your hands with soap and warm water, use bleach-based products to clean surfaces, and avoid preparing any food for 48 hours after symptoms stop. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For children, make sure they wash their hands with warm water and soap before eating, and especially if they have been outside or around animals.


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK shoppers warned 'do not eat' as Lidl issues product recall over health risk
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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK officials issue 48-hour alert amid rise in foodborne illness that killed seven
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