Wet wipes flushed down drains risk 'severe problems'

Islanders in Guernsey are being encouraged not to flush wet wipes down the toilet after a major blockage was caused to Guernsey Water's St Sampsons pumping station over Christmas.

Last month, a standby pump had to be used after two pumps were blocked by rags and wipes that had been flushed down drains.

The blockage resulted in a total loss of output from pumping at the station and a crane had to be used to help.

Guernsey water says it could have caused severe problems.

Guernsey Water says the only thing that should be flushed down the drain is human waste and toilet roll.

The pumping station in St Sampsons, pumps the north of the islands' waste to the Belle Greve Waste Water Centre for treatment before being pumped into the sea through the outfall pipe.