Raw sewage nightmare for Witherley caught in the eye of Storm Dennis

Villagers outside Atherstone are facing a major health fallout of raw sewage mixed in the rising floodwaters as Storm Dennis passes across the district.

Witherley has been effectively cut off but it hasn't stopped 4 x 4 and other drivers further "upsetting" residents by ignoring warning signs and ploughing through impassable country roads.

Parish council chairman Brian Conway told Nub News this afternoon a temporary arrangement to pump sewage overground, where the underground pipe has collapsed, has been "overwhelmed".

He said: "As a result, raw sewage is mixed in with the floodwater on Atterton Lane."

And to add insult to injury, Councillor Conway added: "The 4 x 4s are ignoring flood signs as they always do – and driving through it, much to the consternation of the residents.

"It is upsetting."

Both Mythe Lane and Atterton Lane are officially closed to traffic.

The roads to Pinwall, Warton and Austrey are flooded but passable, with none officially closed.

But villagers report the fields on either sides are "like lakes and look ready to burst".

The latest news comes after families living in and around Atherstone were warned earlier today to take immediate action and "move upstairs" as their homes face the threat of flooding from the storm.

Householders have been told to turn off gas, water and electricity; move valuables to upper floors if possible; and ensure family members, pets and vehicles are "taken to safety".

Two rivers that impact on the district have been highlighted among 14 major 'live' Government warnings where flood is "expected" and are being updated on a minute-by-minute basis.

The River Anker which passes Atherstone, Mancetter and Witherly as well as Grendon and Bradley Green has been handed the red triangle 'Act' warning in two places as well as a stretch of the River Sence from Temple Mill to Sheepy Magna – two miles up the road from the town – which normally meanders through the villages of Pinwall and Ratcliffe Culey.

The drivers in Witherley have been directly contradicting advice from Warwickshire Fire & Rescue service which told Nubs News: "We ask the public not to remove flood warnings signs – or attempt to drive through areas designated with a warning symbol."

To see more images of the floods, click on to the white dots in the main picture above the story.