A LOCAL councillor has hit out at Yorkshire Water for failing to repair a leak since April - resulting in the spread of Japanese knotweed and frustration for residents.
Coun Jake Lodge, who represents the Worsbrough ward, told the Chronicle he has been left frustrated with the water firm.
Despite repeated reports by Coun Lodge and local resident George Siddons, the leak has yet to be repaired.
Jake says it’s even more frustrating given the fact that Yorkshire Water has placed a hosepipe ban on the county, despite numerous leaks that are currently ongoing across Barnsley.
The leak has left private land off Sheffield Road waterlogged, causing environmental damage through the spread of Japanese Knotweed and financial stress for those affected.
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing clump-forming invasive perennial weed that can cause damage to structures and property.
The Environment Agency deems Japanese knotweed as the most common of four invasive knotweed plant species in the UK.
The stems can grow up to seven feet high.
George’s land is where the leak travels to and he has seen a huge increase in the knotweed, something he believes is down to the leak and subsequently the inaction of Yorkshire Water.
He has attempted to clear the knotweed himself, but it is flourishing due to the gallons of water feeding it each day.
He has asked Yorkshire Water to clear the knotweed, but they have asked him to arrange clearance himself, and they’ll then reimburse.
Coun Lodge, who has been supporting him over the past few months, described the situation as ‘unacceptable’ and called for urgent action.
He told the Chronicle: “It is deeply unfair that residents are being asked to do their bit and restrict water use, while this serious leak has been allowed to continue for months.
“Not only is this wasting vast amounts of water, but it is also actively damaging someone’s land.
“I want immediate intervention from Yorkshire Water and full accountability for this delay.
“What’s even more frustrating is that they’re asking Mr Siddons to do their job for them.”
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water told the Chronicle: “We are aware of a leak in this area.
“Due to its complexity and location, we are carefully rezoning so that we do not interrupt clean water supply in the vicinity or leave any customers without water as we carry out the repair.
“We anticipate that this will take approximately four weeks to complete and are working closely with the local authority highways team to ensure the work is carried out safely.
“We will make a contribution towards the removal of Japanese Knotweed associated within a small section of private land in the area once the repair is fully completed.”
