A KEMPSEY man angered by weeks of muddy tap water has demanded Severn Trent Water sends a plumber to sort the problem out.

Neville Brookes, of Hillside, Kempsey, is refusing to pay his next water rates because he has had so many problems over the last few weeks.

He has had to replace the washers on all his taps and clean the filters in the washing machine and says he dare not use the shower in case it is wrecked by the silt.

"I went out and bought a water filter for drinking water and I am getting through a filter a day. It's just mud coming out of the taps," he said.

The final straw was when he came home from a night shift to find the roof tank leaking.

A stream of water was pouring out of an overflow and over the gutters because the ball valve was full of sand and grit, he said.

He was so annoyed that he asked Severn Trent to send a plumber.

"It's directly their fault," he claimed.

"They say they are aware of the problem, but it isn't sorting out my washing machine, shower and tank.

"The water is so filthy I wouldn't give it to the plants."

Mr Brookes, a Kempsey parish councillor, said there had also been problems with the water pressure since Severn Trent "allegedly" improved the water system at the beginning of May.

"If you flush a toilet you can't get water out of any of the taps. It's disgusting," he said.

"I paid the first instalment of the water rates in April, but I shall not be paying any more this year."

Earlier this week, the landlord of Kempsey's Anchor Inn was forced to shut down his kitchen after the water turned black.

Yesterday, Severn Trent spokesman Kate Cox said anyone having problems with showers and other appliances should get in touch so that the situation could be resolved.

"Work is being undertaken to clear the problem and there should be a huge improvement over the next 24 hours.

"It is not acceptable and we appreciate everyone's patience with us," she said.

Meanwhile, tempers were becoming frayed as residents waited for some action to stem a water leak that started on the corner of Kempsey's Brook End Lane seven weeks ago.

"It started as a small leak that bubbled from the ground like a little fountain and now it is flooding across the lane, down Old Road North and across a busy pedestrian access to The Limes estate," said Joy Clee, a resident of the Brook End Lane.

"It is destroying the path, it is a waste of water and it is not environmentally friendly."

After an inquiry by the Evening News on Tuesday, Severn Trent spokesman Jill Turton said the company was aware of the problem, which was caused by a leaking valve.

"I apologise to the Kempsey people who have been affected by it and hope they will not have any more problems."

The leak appeared to have stopped by lunchtime yesterday but contractors were continuing to work at the site.