Raw sewage is ruining a beauty spot popular with children and dog walkers, claim local residents.

Effluent has been flowing into Rakes Dyke, Hepworth, for at least 12 months.

Yorkshire Water has denied responsibility claiming Kirklees Council is responsible.

And the council has been dragging its heels, says Paul Stothart who lives next to the stream.

Mr Stothart says faeces, sanitary products and condoms have been washing up on banks – and the situation is getting worse.

He said: “I noticed raw human sewage pouring directly into a river known as Rake Dyke.

“This was next to a public footpath and is an area that is frequented by residents and children.

“The river is shallow and attracts local children who play in it and residents, myself included, take our dogs to paddle and enjoy this beautiful area.”

Mr Stothart has repeatedly informed Yorkshire Water and Kirklees Council – but the problem remains.

He said: “What do we have to do to get this sorted?

“Yorkshire Water keep sending me texts asking me to rate them on how they performed and when I gave them an average rating they then phone me to ask why – shame they can’t put the same effort into the problem.

“Kirklees on the other hand have done nothing.”

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson: “We have carefully inspected this problem and, although it is near one of our sewers, the pipework that is spilling sewage into the stream is not a Yorkshire Water asset.

“However, we recognise this is a cause for concern, and as part of our responsibilities, have informed the Environment Agency.

“In accordance with usual procedures, the Environment Agency will be progressing the issue directly with Kirklees Council’s Environmental Health Department to resolve.”

A council spokesperson said: “We have been in contact with Mr Stothart and out at the site, where we carried out extensive investigations the problem, including the use of a camera in the drain, fitting traps to the system and the use of indicator dye.

“The problem appears to be caused by the incorrect connection of a sewer to a surface water drain, which then discharges into Rakes Dyke, as cross connections of this sort do happen.

“Our investigations are ongoing, and we are working with Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency to identify where the problem originates and who is responsible.

“This is a difficult process due to the length and complex nature of the drainage system in this area and the large number of properties potentially connected to the system. We will endeavour to get to the cause of the problem.”