A CALL has been issued for the cleaning of an open drain which runs alongside Dunleath Park in Downpatrick.
Known locally as the Plank Drain, the waterway flows towards the Quoile River via marshland at the Ballydugan Road in the town.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and Councillor Colin McGrath have called for the drain to be cleared of debris and also want concerns about a noxious odour coming from a nearby sewage pumping station at Cathedral Park addressed.
The local politicians say “immediate action” is required to address both issues and have raised their concerns with the Rivers Agency, Northern Ireland Water and Down Council.
Miss Ritchie said bottles, plastic bags and other debris have been thrown in the drain adjacent to Dunleath Park and to the rear of the Cathedral Park housing estate.
The MP said long grass is growing on the banks of the drain and said that having discussed the state of the small waterway with the Rivers Agency, its officials insisted they were not responsible for it.
She continued: “Having reviewed the situation, it’s quite clear that urgent action is now needed to cut back the vegetation and ensure that the drain is cleaned. The debris lying in it needs to be removed as a matter of priority.
“In addition, the sewage pumping station in the vicinity of Cathedral Park estate appears to be causing problems again as there is an offending odour at the estate.”
A number of politicians are concerned that the open drain runs beside soccer pitches which are used regularly by local children.
The MP said she will continue to raise the plank drain issue with the Rivers Agency, NI Water and Down Council until it is addressed.