Sewage pipe fix will not be 'quick repair'

Repairs to a damaged pipe which led to raw sewage being pumped into the sea is "unlikely to be a quick repair", a utility company says.

BBC filming uncovered problems with the pipe at Fort George in Guernsey on 1 May causing it to discharge raw sewage too close to the shore in Soldier's Bay.

Guernsey Water said it was working with divers to assess how the damage could be repaired after visiting the site on Monday.

The firm said fixing the issue might take some time due to the damage which had been caused and the working environment. It added an update would be provided once a repair plan had been put in place.

Guernsey Water said during a visit of the site, it was able to confirm the outfall was not blocked but there was damage around the inspection chamber.

The company said before it could assess the damage, it needed to survey the section of pipe which is below water.

"This requires removal of seaweed that has grown on it," Guernsey Water said.

"We are working with divers from Guernsey Harbours on this.

"Given the damage and the difficulty of the working environment, it is unlikely to be a quick repair."

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