A recent drainage pipe blockage on a new Ledbury estate is beyond dispute, but who or what is to blame is the question.

Some loos on the Hawk Rise estate, off the bypass, have been filling up to the brim and draining only slowly, and some sinks and baths have also been reported to be barely draining.

Photographs sent to the Reporter also appear to show a blocked street drain brimming over; and photographs also show building material, mainly plastic, which one resident says was the reason for a big blockage.

But developer Barratt says that "household rubbish", being flushed away caused the problems.

There is also debate as to how many homes have been affected, with the developer saying that it dealt with one specific complaint, while the Reporter was told that several homes at Hopkins Cross on the estate were affected.

The Reporter was also told by a resident, who does not wish to be named, that the "household rubbish" mentioned by Barratt Homes was said to be baby wipes or ordinary wipes.

Steven Cartwright, Construction Director for Barratt West Midlands said: “Following a complaint regarding blockage at a specific property at Hawk Rise, a thorough investigation was carried out in which a number of foreign objects were located in the drain run.

“The blockage was cleared at the cost of Barratt Homes, and residents were reminded not to dispose of such objects in the toilets."

Mr Cartwright added “We will continue to be vigilant of any blockages in the future and will work closely with residents to discourage them disposing of household rubbish in this way.”

But a resident insisted: "There was rubbish from building work in the pipe."