As Christmas approaches, local Assembly Member Paul Davies is backing Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water's Let's Stop the Block campaign in a special effort to avoid festive misery for people in Pembrokeshire.

Blocked sewers are a major problem across Wales which costs Welsh Water over £7 million pounds a year to clear. They cause huge human misery, damage to homes and businesses, and can pollute our beautiful rivers, beaches and wider environment. The Let's Stop the Block campaign aims to transform customers' behaviours when it comes to putting things down the toilet and disposing of fat, oils and grease.

Mr Davies said: "Flooding from blocked sewers can have a devastating effect on our homes and our streets. Simple things like throwing wet wipes and thick tissue down you toilet; and pouring fat, oil and grease down your sink can cause big problems. Therefore, I'm pleased to be backing this campaign as we try to ensure Pembrokeshire has the cleanest environment possible and residents don't have to suffer the misery of blockages in their homes. I'd encourage all my constituents to join me in pledging to do their bit to keep our homes and communities free from blockages at www.LetsStopTheBlock.com. Don't let blocked sewers ruin your Christmas!"

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water's Director of Waste Water Services, Steve Wilson said; "Most of the blockages we deal with are caused by everyday items put down the toilet such as wipes, sanitary towels, cotton buds and dental floss; and fat, oil and grease from cooking that people have put down their sinks.

"Pouring your Christmas gravy and cooking fat and oil down the sink can block up drains and even flood homes. We're therefore asking people to avoid this by reusing it, recycling it with their food waste or scraping it into the bin.

"We're also asking people to help us as they prepare for their Christmas or New Year parties by remembering to put any cotton buds, cotton pads, facial wipes and cleansing wipes in the bin, not down the toilet. Even one wipe can cause flooding to a home so it's really important that we all do our bit.

"With the collective support of enough people, we will be able to reduce the blockages, floods and pollution that cause so much distress. Reducing these blockages will also mean that our not-for-profit company will also be able to invest more in other improvements on behalf of our customers."