A blocked pipe created a pool of sewage outside the gates of a Nottinghamshire infant school, forcing some pupils to walk through the mess to get to class.
Parents reported seeing faeces and other waste collecting in the flood above a manhole outside Radcliffe Infant and Nursery School on Wednesday (May 17).
Severn Trent Water has apologised and sent staff to deal with the problem. The school asked parents and pupils to use an alternative entrance as the water rose.
It is thought to have been caused by a blocked sewer – but it is not known how long the problem will take to resolve.
Some photos posted on social media showed used condoms and tampons floating in the water outside the school’s main road entrance.
People living nearby have previously called for Severn Trent to overhaul the pipe system, which has caused similar floods in the same spot in previous years.
Flooding in the past has been caused by blockages in the sewer pipes and damage caused by tree roots.
School spokesman Kirsty Bradley said: “The flooding is not a new issue, it is longstanding and has been going on for years.
“The main flooding happened this morning after starting on Friday – it is always the case after heavy rain.
“Severn Trent Water has attended the site but there is no indication of how long it will take to resolve.
“The school remains open and our main concern is for the safety of pupils, parents and staff.”
A Severn Trent spokesman said: “We’re really sorry for the sewer flooding that has occurred near to Radcliffe Infant School.
“It’s absolutely not acceptable to have this happen anywhere, let alone so close to a school, and our main priority right now is to identify what’s causing the problem so we can stop it from happening in the future.
“We’re aware that there have been similar problems in this area previously which were caused by blockages in the sewer pipes as well as damage caused by tree roots.
“We’re now investigating to see if this has happened again, and we’re working closely with the school and the local parish council to keep them updated on our work.”
