SOMETHING unwelcome could be lurking in the sewers of Kirklees residents - a costly repair bill.

Lepton woman Gloria Humphries has learned the hard way that if your sewer is classed as private it could land you with unexpected costs.

Mrs Humphries, of Grosvenor Way, moved into her house with husband Bryan 34 years ago.

The houses had been built about 20 years earlier.

Like all homes built after 1937, the property was not automatically registered on the public sewer network, owned by Yorkshire Water.

This means the sewer is classed as private and is owned by the residents whose waste drains into it.

So, when things go wrong, the residents foot the bill.

Mrs Humphries said there could be many private sewers in Kirklees.

She added: "A lot of builders may not have registered houses, because it is a hassle.

"This could be a problem for a lot of people in Kirklees. It's something people should know about."

Mrs Humphries did not know her sewer was private until August 31, when Kirklees Council told her repairs were needed.

Sixty-two homes using the sewer on Grosvenor Way, Grosvenor Avenue, Longden Walk and Longden Avenue got similar letters from Kirklees.

The letters said a tree root had damaged the sewer and the residents must repair it within 28 days. Otherwise, Kirklees would do the repairs and recoup the cost from residents.

Mrs Humphries said: "It was a shock to get the letter. Several of us were upset and some older people were frightened.

She added: "We didn't know it was private. It didn't come up in any searches done for people who've moved in recently."

Mrs Humphries and her neighbours are paying for the council to do the work, as they feel there is not enough time to arrange it privately.

The work is expected to cost each household around £100, but residents are worried about facing more bills if the problem recurs.

A Kirklees spokeswoman said the letters were sent out to gain ownership details after the sewer began leaking foul water on to gardens.

She added: "Most people find it easier to let the council carry out the work, rather than having to deal with and pay a private contractor.

"Residents can negotiate to pay their part of the cost in instalments.

"There are likely to be many private sewers in the area but anyone can apply to have one adopted by Yorkshire Water.

"But the company will inspect it and may require residents to pay for work to bring it up to standard."

TO find out if your sewer is connected to the public network phone Yorkshire Water's planning department on 0845 124 24 29.

This number should also be used if you want to know the procedure for connecting it to the public network.