CHILDREN collecting conkers in Alcester could be risking their health after sewage seeped onto land around a popular horse chestnut tree.

Heavy storms during Sunday night caused drains in Malt Mill Lane and Gas House Lane to overflow and led to a repeat of previous sewage problems.

"It comes up through the drains, through the rims of the sealed manhole covers," explained Mayor Chris Gough.

"Fortunately, because the covers are sealed, it's only water but it is not clean water.

"It looks clean but it is polluted and it was a couple of inches deep in some places, all around the cars parked down there, so people had to wade through it to get to their cars.

"But what I am really concerned about is that there are conkers lying all over the floor and I thought children would be down there at lunchtime to collect them, putting them in their pockets without knowing the risk they were taking.

"My son tells me it's the best conker tree in the town."

Alcester Town Council has been concerned about the sewage problem for many years, which happens every time there is a heavy rainfall.

In 2001, they demanded action from Severn Trent and have been assured recently the company has carried out an investigation.

Councillor Sue Adams said at Monday's meeting the investigation, with special underground cameras, had shown there could be a blockage in the High Street drains which was affecting those in Gas House Lane and Malt Mill Lane.

The council is going to contact the company again in the hope of finding a resolution.