AN ANGRY Wrexham councillor has raised health fears over an overflowing manhole which he brands “a fountain of filth”.

Coedpoeth member Gareth Griffiths says every time the water level rises in the system, the grid cover in Heol y Vro, close to the junction of Maes Tyddyn, gushes human excrement, toilet tissues, sanitary products and contraceptives on to the roadway.

And he is particularly worried the toxic torrent happens close to a bus-stop used by children on their way to and from school.

Cllr Griffiths said: “This manhole is a fountain of filth and we’ve had this problem for the past two years.

“As a result of rain and foul water drains being mixed in Coedpoeth it lets all this horrible material run down into Talwrn Road, where it accumulates.

“The fountain appears on a regular basis after any period of above-average rainfall or a rain storm.

“This is a site where school children wait for their buses every morning and return each afternoon.”

He added: “This is an ongoing problem.

“Earlier this week the water company responded quickly but their operatives said nothing could be done as it was raining.

“They promised to return at a later date.

“I find it strange that having invested over £1million to improve drainage in Coedpoeth this horrendous problem is still happening.

“There must be a health issue here and what a start to the school day for the children.

“The water company surely cannot ignore this problem any longer.

“They have a responsibility and should react accordingly and fix the problem permanently.”

In a statement, a spokeswoman for Welsh Water said: “We were alerted to a surcharging manhole in Heol y Vro on Tuesday, February 2.

“A crew attended the location using the information provided by the caller but found no evidence of a surcharge.

“We have now received more details of the location of the manhole and will send a crew to investigate this evening.

“We would like to apologise to residents for any inconvenience this has caused.”

Cllr Griffiths said a crew did turn up on Wednesday night but had not said what they intended to do about the problem.

“My fear is that if something is not done it will overflow again next time there is heavy rain.”