Residents of a Gloucestershire village have complained after sewage was discovered leaking from manhole covers.

Villagers from Redbrook in the Forest of Dean say the source of the problem is the sewage works in Coleford, owned by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.

Welsh Water says it is investigating, but the district council is now involved and has passed a resolution expressing serious concerns about the situation.

Anne Martin, leader of the council, insisted there was continuous close monitoring of the works, and demanded regular progress reports.

We understand that they are anxious for the situation to be resolved Welsh Water

She said: "This is a problem that has to be sorted out. In the year 2002 we cannot have raw sewage going into people's houses."

A statement from Welsh Water said the company was aware of issues with the system at Coleford.

"We will advise the local authority of our findings when our investigation is complete.

"We understand that they are anxious for the situation to be resolved.

Heavy rain

"It is important to note that sewerage systems are complex networks that operate on a hydraulic basis and investigations into their operation can take time to complete."

Heavy rain has also been blamed for exacerbating the problem.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency Wales, which polices Welsh Water, told BBC News Online: "We are aware that there has been an ongoing problem at Coleford.

"Welsh Water has spent a lot of money improving the system and we are keeping an eye on it." he added.