Cygnet Rowing Club

Unfortunately, the main sewers that serve the boathouse have become blocked. This has led to all the sewage backing up and therefore flowing into our drains and then into our boathouse as we appear to be at the lowest point in the local system.

This happened last night (Tuesday). The drain people came out within an hour and diagnosed that the problem was with the main sewer, not the drains on our land. I then got Thames Water out (who are responsible for the sewers) and they undertook further investigation and diagnosed a root in the drain.

The flooding appeared to have stopped, but late this evening (Wednesday), it all started flooding again. Thames Water were once more called to site, and as of about 6pm, they have not located or fixed the problem. However, they are actively emptying the local drains into a tanker and then pumping it away into a sewer up the road a bit (I hope after where the problem is !!).

I have been told that this is a priority 1 job to be fixed. Where does this leave us ?

Mens changing rooms: The shower and toilet area is flooded and cannot be used. The changing rooms obviously stink, and I would suggest that they are not used due to the possibility of getting infections etc from the foul waste and atmosphere.

Ladies changing rooms: There is very slight flooding in the wellie cupboard, but elsewhere appears O/K. Obviously, it is not advisable to use the showers or loo’s as there is nowhere for the water to go. At the time of writing, the actual changing area is usable, but this could change.

Garden: This is flooded with sewage, so do not walk on it. It is obvious where the problem is, so use common sense (unlike someone who just walked into it last night and then said a sign would have been useful….).

Training Shed: This is usable. To get to it, go up the stairs and around the other side of the boathouse between us and Emanuel.

PLEASE DO NOT GO WALKING THROUGH ANY AREA WITH SEWAGE ON IT AND THEN WALK INTO THE BOATHOUSE OR SHED. I should not have to state the obvious, but I have already seen several people do this.

Going forward: When the problem is resolved, Thames Water will send in a clean up team to sort out the damage to the garden and the changing rooms. In addition, we will contact our insurance company and ask about getting a more professional clean up job done.

I will send out updates when I have more information.

Regards,

Dave Gledhill - CSBE Boathouse Captain