A MYSTERIOUS water leak has caused major concern among residents in Rayleigh who fear the liquid is unhygienic and hazardous.

The leak, on Crown Hill, Rayleigh, appears to be coming from the public toilets and passers-by complained that the stream of water flowing from the building has a strong smell.

Marie Sutton, a charity worker from the area, said: “I think it is a health hazard and the leak has been there for over six months, which is far too long. If a child or adult slipped over in it and caught a disease who will be blaming who?”

Anglian Water have said the leak is not raw sewage and is the responsibility of the local councils to resolve as it is not one of their assets. However, Rochford councillors disagree.

Addressing the issue on social media, Jamie Burton, a councillor for Wheatley ward and resident of Crown Hill, said: “Over the festive period I have again requested that the toilets are closed to reduce the flow of water.

“Please note that this is not the council’s responsibility. It is an issue only Anglian Water can resolve. They have carried out some works already which did appear to reduce the leak for a while but I agree it has returned to previous levels and the smell is once again rather bad.

“We have been advised this is not raw sewage but I am not convinced and I have again asked to see the results of the water testing that was carried out.

“I will continue to put pressure on the council but all they can do is the same on Anglian Water. We have no authority to start digging up highways and carrying out work on drains.

“As someone who resides on Crown Hill and has the water flowing in front of their house, trust me this is something I am actively trying to resolve sooner rather than later.”

Fellow ward councillor Robin Dray believes the toilets may be closed imminently to help the problem.

He added: “It is definitely less of an issue when the toilets are closed so I do believe that the council will shut them if they are not shut already.

“The water collects in a small grass area directly adjacent to the toilets and then streams down the road so I can imagine it would be hazardous if it does get icy.”