Stench from polluted stream preventing residents from using gardens in Crowborough

• Video report from ITV News Meridian's Tom Savvides

Behind a row of houses in Crowborough in Sussex runs a once fresh water stream, but it is no longer fresh now.

The stream is being polluted with sewage and kitchen waste from nearby houses. On some days local resident Gena McCourt is unable to use her back garden. 

She explained the leaks had been going on for almost a decade and the smell can be unbearable.

• Gena McCourt, Resident

She said: "When it rains it's fine it flushes it right down but it absolutely stinks. It has fat in it the smell is sewage and it is bubbly and dirty and it's supposed to be a natural spring the start of a natural spring."

The stream passes through the back gardens of around 30 houses, many of them complaining of pollution. The problem is trying to pinpoint where it's coming from.

The Environment Agency, East Sussex County Council and Southern Water are aware of the problem.

Investigations show the sewer lines of some properties in the area have been wrongly connected to a surface water drain. The party responsible is now looking for a contractor to correct the faulty links. Dozens of residents who live in the Nevil Road area of Crowborough have complained about the ongoing problem.

Those with young children are particularly concerned about the water pollution.

• Alistair Ludgate, Resident

Local resident, Alistair Ludgate, said: "As you can see she's wanting to get around wanting to play and we just, well it's just not been easy to use the space."

Until the drains and sewers are properly aligned, this stream will not be given a clean bill of health.