RESIDENTS in Acomb are complaining of headaches and bad tastes in their mouths after raw sewage flooded their gardens and under their homes.

Val Wright and her husband, Brian, of Danebury Drive, say they are suffering with bad headaches and unpleasant tastes in their mouths after spending hours outside trying to clear up the mess the stinking sewage has left in their back garden.

Mrs Wright said: "I've got a bad headache, but the worst thing for all of us is the awful taste in our mouths. We can't shake it off and we are all concerned about our health.

"No-one is giving us any advice and yet we know that raw sewage around our homes is a health risk."

The sewage flood happened on Tuesday evening after heavy rain caused a pumping station in Danebury Drive to overspill and flood into dozens of gardens around Almsford Road and Danebury Drive.

Mrs Wright added: "I cannot believe the mess this sewage has made of our garden. The plants have all died and we have lost 22 carp fish from our pond. Not only does that add up to thousands of pounds but also hours of hard work. Our garden has always been our pride and joy and we spend every weekend working in it.

"Now it's in ruins and I'm very angry."

The couple have also booked to see their family doctor on Monday, the earliest appointment, to have a tetanus jab.

"I am concerned about tetanus, but it's probably too late anyway now," Mrs Wright added.

The Walk-In Centre in Monkgate has received dozens of calls already from concerned Acomb residents worried about the threat of tetanus.

A spokeswoman for the centre said: "We have had a lot of calls from people who are concerned after the sewage leak.

"Our advice is to get the tetanus jab done as soon as possible."

Yorkshire Water, meanwhile, continues its probe into why the pumping station failed.

Yorkshire Water spokeswoman Karen O'Rourke said: "We had five teams carrying out a very intensive clean-up operation yesterday, and obviously it's not over yet.

"We have been clearing pathways and grassed areas, and we've been putting new topsoil on any flowerbeds that were affected.

"In cases where we've been able to gain access to people's cellars and underfloor areas, we've been pumping out there, but in some cases people don't have access to them.

"So we're offering to lift floorboards and pump out for them, if they think they might have a problem."

One of the main difficulties, she added, was that some residents of the affected areas are currently on holiday.

"Anyone who comes back and finds a problem can contact us immediately," she said.

"The same applies to anyone who decides at a later date that they have a problem at their home, but hasn't registered it so far."

If you were affected by the spillage and need information on tetanus ring the Walk-In Centre on 01904 674557 or contact your GP.