Space hopper blocks sewer causing flooding on Glasgow road

A space hopper caused the blockage of a sewer in Glasgow, leading to flooding.

Scottish Water crews were called out to a blockage in Royston on Friday, after members of the public reported flooding in a grass area and on a pavement.

The utility firm said the “filthy” inflatable toy was found wedged in a pipe covered in sludge and mould.

Teams say it’s likely someone deliberately forced it down a manhole.

Steven Bennett, sewer response team manager at Scottish Water, said: “In our line of work, you get used to surprises, but finding a space hopper staring back at you from a sewer is a new one. It might be built for bouncing, but in a sewer, it just brings everything to a standstill.

“This was one bounce that ended up causing real damage and costing customers in unblocking and repairing.”

He added: “It might raise a smile, but the impact is serious. Our teams are dealing with blockages day in, day out, often caused by wipes and fat building up in the system.

“When you add something like this into the mix, it can quickly turn into a major issue. Objects like this can completely block sewer pipes, forcing wastewater back up into homes and streets, causing flooding, pollution and expensive damage.

“We’ve found all sorts over the years – a large Winnie the Pooh teddy, a bike, a pair of jeans, fluffy handcuffs and even a snake. None of them belong in the sewer, and all of them can cause real damage.”

Mr Bennett, who has worked in sewer operations at Scottish Water for 18 years, said teams work around the clock to keep services flowing – but the scale of the problem remains huge.

He said: “Our teams are out 24/7 keeping water and wastewater pipes flowing, and while we’ve made progress in reducing blockages, we still deal with around 36,500 every year – at a cost of more than £7m across Scotland.

“Wet wipes are still one of the biggest causes, along with cotton wool, contact lenses, sanitary products and fats, oils and grease.

“If you did our job and had to spend hours digging out fatbergs – huge lumps of congealed waste clogging pipes – you’d definitely think twice about what you flush down the loo or pour down the sink.

“What goes down the drain doesn’t just disappear – it can come back to cause a serious stink.”

He added: “Sewers are only designed for the three Ps – pee, poo and paper. Everything else belongs in the bin. Let’s keep space hoppers where they are meant to be – bouncing above ground not below it!

“And it’s really important to stress that manholes are not for public access – they are dangerous and should only ever be opened by trained professionals.”