RAW SEWAGE has been strewn across Winchester High Street this afternoon as torrential rain led to drains overflowing.

Pedestrians were left 'retching' after having to sidestep human waste near the Buttercross as downpours began.

One woman described the "dreadful" smell as the drains bubbled up, spewing the contaminated water onto the street.

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A clean-up operation led by Winchester City Council is already underway, with crews seen picking up some of the debris and pouring chemicals onto the affected areas.

Southern Water has said it is sending out an engineer to 'assess' the situation and has been contacted for further comment. The Chronicle has also approached the city council for a statement.

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This isn't the first time the drains in the High Street have discharged wastewater after heavy rainfall. At a Hampshire County Council meeting last year, Liberal Democrat member for Winchester Eastgate, Cllr Dominic Hiscock, raised fears about the recurring issue.

Southern Water formerly insisted improvements were being made, pledging "significant investment" to solve the problem.

A spokesperson for Winchester City Council said: “Our environmental health team responded quickly to the overflowing Southern Water foul sewer and ensured the area was made safe and cleaned up without delay. We are investigating the problem and pressing Southern Water for urgent action.”