A sewage leak closed a New Malden park after Storm Imogen swept through the borough.

Power failed on the water pumps during the storm over the weekend causing sewage to leak from the nearby Hogsmill Sewage Treatment Works, into part of Green Lane Recreation Ground.

Thames Water was called to deal with the situation on Monday, the park gates were locked and cleaning began.

When it is agreed to be safe to re-open, between Thames Water and Kingston Council, fencing will close off the polluted area while it is cleaned.

A Thames Water spokesman said: "We are now working hard to thoroughly clean the area by hand, to prevent further damage, and are in constant discussions with the council over when the recreation ground is safe to reopen.

"We're very sorry for the mess and are doing all we can to return everything back to normal as quickly as possible."

Surrey Comet:

A dog walker, who got in touch with the Surrey Comet when the gates were locked, said the sewage can be seen from the pedestrian gate off Green Lane and a large flock of seagulls are gathered in the area.

They added on Thursday: "Today the smell is really, really bad. You can see if you go to the other side of the river on the wasteland before the railway line as massive clear up operation going on in the park."

Surrey Comet:

A letter written by Kingston Council is attached to one of the gates to explain why it is locked.

It reads: "Dear park user, during the recent heavy rainfall a Thames Water inspection chamber location within the park blew.

"Whilst the council and Thames Water investigate the cause of the problem, and arrange for clean-up of the site the park must remain locked for matters of public safety.

Surrey Comet:

"We do apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to have the park open and operational as soon as possible."

Thames Water said teams will continue to work over the weekend on the clean-up.

Councillor Terry Paton, cabinet member with responsibility for parks at Kingston Council, said: "We're aware of the situation and Thames Water are on site, the area is cordoned off and the clean up operation is underway. We will continue to carefully monitor the situation."