Work to fix the long-term sewage leak from Thorpe Island is finally set to start.  

Divers were sent into the contaminated Yare water at River Green to inspect the issue in February.  

They found the sewage was coming from the former Hearts Cruisers site at Thorpe Island.  

Subsequently, it was announced in August that Norwich City Council had agreed to hand over jurisdiction of 3km of riverbed in and around Thorpe St Andrew to the town’s council.  

Now work to stop the pollution is close to getting under way.

Norwich Evening News: The drain issue was down to the landowner, but the work was not carried out The drain issue was down to the landowner, but the work was not carried out (Image: James Bass)

A Broadland District Council spokesman said: “Operational work for the renewal of the drain at Thorpe Island, Thorpe St Andrew is scheduled to commence during the week beginning October 30.  

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“This critical regulatory project is being undertaken in default of an enforcement notice and will prevent sewage from entering the watercourse. 

"The responsibility for maintaining adequate drainage from the island to the main sewer system falls on the landowner.  

Norwich Evening News: Broadland District Council will be carrying out the work on October 30 Broadland District Council will be carrying out the work on October 30 (Image: Simon Finlay)

“Despite extended periods provided to comply with an enforcement notice, it has yet to be carried out. 

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“The project will involve pipe excavation works on the river banks and professional divers entering the water to perform the necessary tasks.  

“As a result, we request that all individuals operating boats in the vicinity exercise caution and adhere to any safety signage and instructions the on-site crew provides." 

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Conservative county councillor for Thorpe, Ian Mackie, said “I am delighted that this protracted issue is hopefully coming to an end at long last.  

Norwich Evening News: Ian Mackie thinks the important work has taken too long Ian Mackie thinks the important work has taken too long (Image: Ian Mackie)

“Lots of work and campaigning has gone into getting to this solution.  

“More than you should expect for such an obvious public health issue.  

“I am grateful to everybody who has helped, especially the Evening News and EDP who have kept a spotlight on this issue and helped reach this important milestone.”