Raw sewage which has been leaking into a stream next to a woodland walk is destroying the beauty and safety of the area and needs immediate action, according to members of a residents’ association.

At the beginning of March, chairman of Carpenders Park Residents’ Association, Bobbie Wilson, noticed a rainwater culvert spilling out raw sewage into the stream between Carpenders Park Cemetery and The Mead.

The Environmental Agency attended the site and said the sewage was coming from a washing machine before passing the issue onto Thames Water.

Thames Water sent people to clean up the mess but just a few days later sewage was leaking out again.

Mrs Wilson said she believed it could have been a builder connecting the sewage into the rainwater system.

The stream eventually makes its way into the River Colne and supplies some of the drinking water in Three Rivers.

Mrs Wilson added: “There is only one way to fix this problem and that is to trace it back to the source.

“It is dangerous to our health as well as a threat to wild life and animals, and for example dogs that often run into the stream.

“Children also in the summer sometimes run into the water to play.

“This needs action now and not the usual round of ‘back passing’.

Thames Water has been looking to solve the issue.

It has discovered the source of the sewage as coming from a private block of flats which has its waste pipe connected up incorrectly.

The managing agent of the property has been made aware.

Becky Trotman, spokesman for Thames Water, said: “After using CCTV and a coloured dye to find the source of the sewage, we traced it to a block of flats which has its waste pipe connected to the surface water drain instead of the main sewer.

“We’ve written to the managing agent for the flats to advise them it is their responsibility to ensure their pipes are connected correctly and have asked them to keep us updated on their progress.

“As this work may take some time we’re fitting special floats close to the point where the sewage enters the water to prevent it spreading further downstream.”