McDonald's open after sewage spill

Feb 21 2008 By Leda Reynolds

A SOLIHULL McDonald's is back open for business after being forced to close when a pipe burst pumping raw sewage into the children's play area.

The fast-food restaurant, in Warwick Road, Olton, drafted in specialists to clean up the sewage following the drama which unfolded at around 11pm just after the restaurant closed.

A source said the sewage was up to six inches deep following last week's incident.

"The sewage exploded out of the pipe and down into the party area," said the source.

"There's been a smell of rotten cabbage for about two weeks and staff were leaving doors open, not knowing what the problem was."

A McDonald's spokesman said the restaurant was closed for two days following last Tuesday's incident to allow a thorough cleaning operation to take place.

"McDonald's in Olton closed due to an external drainage problem which affected the restaurant but was due to circumstances outside of our control," he said.

"We called in drainage and sanitation experts immediately and the restaurant was closed for two days.

"The restaurant has been thoroughly sanitised by specialists and drains experts have put right the problem."

A Severn Trent spokeswoman said its staff were called in and confirmed internal and external sewer flooding.