A man has been "gagging for days" after a huge pile of excrement appeared outside his block of flats.
Forklift driver Joseph Elsey said the stinking mess is affecting his day-to-day life.
Mr Elsey, 48, and his family have been unable to open their windows for over a week and are lighting three to four joss sticks a day to combat the smell.
"It’s so bad, it smells like Glastonbury on a Monday morning," he fumed.
Mr Elsey first noticed the smell permeating his flat on Wimpson Lane on November 15.
Discovering that the drain was blocked, he reported the issue to Southampton City Council.
He said: “The council came to have a look, then left.
“Another team was called, and the blockage was sorted that same day, but raw sewage has been left everywhere.
“It is a health hazard – faeces has been left everywhere.
“There are a lot of children who play here, and raw sewage does not mix well with humans.
“Children are running around near raw sewage.”
READ MORE: Couple who built unauthorised swim school 'shocked' after being told to shut it down
Shocking photographs show the extent of the foul flood outside the block of flats.
The human waste seeped out from the manhole cover, leaving a thick layer of faeces over the grass.
The strong stench has forced Mr Elsey and his family to keep their doors and windows firmly closed.
He said: “My son can smell it even when his bedroom windows are shut. I am hoping someone is going to clear it but I am not that hopeful.
“In the past three or four days when I have gone to my kitchen first thing in the morning, I have just been gagging.
“We can’t even go outside for a cigarette because the smell is so bad.
“It’s not a great way to start your day. I hope there is an end to this.”
Southampton City Council explained why the human waste has not been cleared yet.
A spokesperson said: “We received a notification regarding the blockage on November 22, which we attended and successfully cleared the very next day.
“The sodden area around the drain needed to dissipate and dry slightly before our contractors can thoroughly clean the affected area on Friday, November 24.
“We are taking all necessary steps to resolve the situation as soon as possible.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel