By Jill Stocks
A recurring sewage issue at Horsforth Hall Park Bowling Club is once again leading to the cancellation or rearrangement of several league fixtures and leading to the club being inaccessible to its members.
The club, which has 50 members, play four or five league fixtures each week as well as holding social bowling sessions. They also provide coaching to new members of all ages.
The sewage issues began again last Thursday after a morning of torrential rain in the area, which also led to isolated flooding on Hall Lane and Low Lane in the town.
Paul Stoyles is the chair of the club. He told WLD: “The ongoing disruption for members to use the bowling green has happened every year for the last four years.
“Each time it happens league fixtures have to be cancelled, friendly games are cancelled and the closure of the green means there is nowhere for members to meet.
“For some members it is the only chance they get to meet.
“We report it to Yorkshire Water and the council but we seem not to be a priority. The council fee is £100 for six months. Yorkshire Water don’t see us as a bill paying customer.”
Yorkshire Water say that the first incidence of the problem occurred in December 2024, and that there have been three such cases caused by network blockages blocking up the network leading to cases of flooding.
They say that the December 2024 blockage was caused by fats, oils and grease, a subsequent blockage in July 2025 caused by root ingress and a build up of silt and the latest incident, which has also occurred as a result of root ingress blocking flows into the sewer.
They also say that: “On each of these occasions we have attended, removed build-up, blockages, and roots, and completed the necessary clean up. We have a team scheduled to attend and complete further root removal over the weekend.”
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, there have been instances of blockages causing sewer flooding at the bowling green over the past few years. We understand how frustrating this is for those who look after and use the facility.
“These blockages have been caused by fat, oil, and grease build-up, as well as a build-up of silt and tree root ingress into the combined sewer network, which carries both wastewater and rainwater.
“On the most recent occasion, a tree root blockage, together with the heavy rainfall increasing flow volume, has resulted in the flows backing up and escaping.
“Given the repeated nature of these incidents, we are looking at how we can make the sewer more resilient to help prevent future issues.
“While we’re investigating options, we would like to remind everyone that only the three P’s – pee, poo, and paper – should go down the toilet or plughole. Anything else will not dissolve and could cause a blockage in the network.”
Katie White MP (Lab, Leeds North West) is in contact with Yorkshire Water regarding the situation:
She said: “I am aware of the ongoing flooding and sewage issues affecting Hall Park in Horsforth, and I completely understand why residents are so frustrated.
“People should not have to put up with sewage flooding, foul smells, and the disruption and damage these incidents cause. It is unacceptable and simply not good enough.
“I have written to Yorkshire Water demanding answers and a clear plan to fix this. I am also working closely with local councillors to make sure residents’ concerns are heard loud and clear.
“Too many people feel these issues are reported repeatedly without meaningful action being taken, and that simply cannot continue.
“I will keep the pressure on Yorkshire Water until residents see real improvements, not just more promises.”
Della Hepinstall (Cons) was recently elected to the Hall Park Ward for Horsforth Town Council and had this to say about the issues: “Hall Park Bowling Club is a much-loved part of our community and it shouldn’t be dealing with sewage problems.
“Yorkshire Water and local councillors have been contacted to help get answers and action, and I’ll keep residents updated as the situation develops.”
Cllr Ray Jones (Lab, Horsforth) has also expressed his concern: “This needs to be resolved as a matter of urgency.
“It is having a detrimental effect on our community and the bowling club. Yorkshire Water need to resolve this as soon as possible.”
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