The petition, which was launched by Yetminster resident Paul Hollick, raises serious concerns about repeated incidents of untreated sewage entering the River Wriggle and flowing onto nearby public roads in the Yetminster and Leigh area.
Campaigners say the pollution is damaging river wildlife, degrading water quality and creating a potential public health risk for local residents.
The petition calls for authorities to hold water Wessex Water and Environment Agency accountable for infrastructure failures (Image: Wessex Water)
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Mr Hollick said: “Residents are deeply concerned and increasingly frustrated. We are seeing untreated sewage not only entering our river but also flowing across public roads used daily by local families and children.
“This has been allowed for several years by Wessex Water and Environment Agency.
“That simply should not be happening in modern Britain.”
The petition has quickly gathered more than 500 signatures in just a few days. Residents say sewage pollution is having a clear impact: people have reported cloudy and discoloured water, dirty foam building up along sections of the river, and untreated sewage flowing across roads and collecting on surfaces.
The River Wriggle flows through Leigh, Chetnole and Yetminster before joining the River Yeo, meaning pollution in the upper reaches can affect communities and river ecosystems further downstream.
There is particular concern that untreated sewage has been allowed to flow across public roads where children wait for school buses and walk to nursery or primary school, including outdoor forest school activities.
Mr Hollick added: “Our rivers should not be treated as open sewers, and untreated sewage should certainly not be allowed to run across public roads where children walk.
“Communities deserve clean rivers, safe environments and proper investment in sewage infrastructure.”
Through the petition, residents are calling on local decision-makers and agencies to investigate sewage discharges affecting the River Wriggle, prevent untreated sewage from flowing onto roads, and hold Wessex Water and the Environment Agency accountable for infrastructure failures. Residents are asking for better monitoring and transparency around pollution incidents, and stronger action to protect public health, wildlife and river ecosystems.
Campaigners have contacted Wessex Water and submitted information requests to the Environment Agency, seeking clarification on sewage discharge events in the area.
People living in the Wriggle Valley say they now expect a response to their petition and are urging authorities to take meaningful action to protect the river and surrounding communities.