Practical advice on how to protect wastewater pipes and the public sewer together with information raising awareness about issues surrounding flooding, will be given in The Market Place, Royston on Friday, 21 November.

Oliver Heald MP, who has already met with Anglian Water to discuss concerns about flooding, will be present at the start of the event at 10am. Also present will be Councillor Bernard Lovewell, North Herts District Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Environmental Health.

Local councillors have also been invited to the event by Anglian Water, whose staff will be on hand to give out information, together with North Herts Environmental Health Officer Alan Sills. Evergreen Energy UK Ltd, which recycles fats, oils and grease collected from restaurants, takeaways, pubs and other catering establishments into biodiesel, will also be attending.

The initiative will be an opportunity to discuss the complexity of the situation, for instance flooding from highways, rivers, watercourses as well as the sewerage system, and different areas of responsibility between local authority, Environment Agency, drainage Boards and water companies.

There have been incidents of highways flooding in Royston over which Anglian Water has no control. In July sewage flooding occurred when the main town sewer, its contents swelled with rainwater, became blocked.

Collette Nicholls, of Anglian Water, said: “Four tonnes of fats, oils and grease (FOG) together with other waste which should not be in the sewer, was taken out of the main Royston town sewer following the flooding.

“We can make a difference by all working together to help the sewer do its job and not abuse it by using it as an invisible dustbin. Householders should be careful about disposing of FOG down kitchen sinks and drains. Likewise catering establishments should join a free collection service such as the one offered by Evergreen Energy.”

Oliver Heald MP said: “This is a question of community spirit for Roystonians. We need to treat fats, oils and grease responsibly so that our neighbours are not flooded out and their homes soaked with filth. This is about Royston businesses showing social responsibility.”

Councillor Lovewell said: “We are delighted to be working with Anglian Water to raise awareness about the issues surrounding this problem, the unpleasantness it can cause and the potential harm it poses for the environment. Many people are unaware of the potential damage and problems incorrect disposal of items down the sewer can bring about.”

Phil Loukaides, Project Control and Development Director of Evergreen Energy UK and Unique Oils, said: “It’s a great step that Anglian Water has taken to raise awareness about the nuisance caused by fats, oils and grease in the sewer. It can be put to far better use recycled into biodiesel and help to protect the planet at the same time.”

Anyone interested in the free collection service of waste cooking oil and fats should contact Peter Panayi, Waste Oil Management Consultant, Evergreen Energy UK Ltd and Unique Oils, on 01277 890071, or by email peter.panayi@uniqueoilsltd.co.ukundefined

Issued by Collette Nicholls, Anglian Water Media Office 0870 600 5 600