Scottish Water has issued a fresh warning to residents after flushed wipes and rags caused a sewer to burst in an Inverness community.
Engineers were called out on Sunday night following reports of a leak from a manhole cover between Murray Terrace in Smithton and the railway line.
Some of the leak reached a local burn, prompting community leaders to call for action amid environmental concerns last night.
Scottish Water’s insisted that a “clean-up” operation was completed yesterday, however.
A spokesman for the body also warned householders against flushing the types of inappropriate items which caused the blockage.
He said: “Scottish Water staff attended after reports of leakage from a choked manhole in Culloden last night.
“They discovered rubble, rags and wipes causing a blockage which they were able to clear.
“Some of the leakage had reached a local burn and a clean-up of the affected area has now been completed.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind customers of our ‘Keep the Cycle running campaign’ with information on how to help prevent blockages.
“By taking care never to flush things like wipes, nappies or cotton buds down the toilet everyone can help keep drains clear, protect the environment and keep charges low.”
Smithton and Culloden Community Council chairman David McGrath said he had asked for further assurances from public health officials.
“I’ve been in touch with environmental health and one or two others,” he said.
“I’ve raised the issue as Scottish Water have cleaned up the immediate area, that’s fine, but that sewage ran down for over a mile of watercourse.
“They really want to be looking to clean the entire watercourse, especially with the warm weather predicted, otherwise we’ll get serious odour problems and fly problems.
“Children play in that burn. I have received an undertaking from environmental health that they will have a look at it.”