A pollution problem at Stodmarsh Nature Reserve is escalating due to councils failing to deal with clogged up drains around Canterbury, it has been claimed.

The internationally-recognised haven for wildlife is suffering from high levels of contamination due to waste water discharges filtering into the River Stour catchment area.

The harmful impurities are stalling big housing developments across east Kent, with building work being delayed following guidance from experts.

Mike Armstrong, of Queens Avenue, Canterbury, believes blocked street drains in the city are playing a key role in the water pollution.

With rainwater unable to flow into the drainage system, it instead finds its way into the Stour - taking road debris with it.

While Kent County Council is in charge of maintaining drains, the responsibility of leaf sweeping falls on Canterbury City Council. Mr Armstrong says both should up their game if they aim to resolve the Stodmarsh issue.

“While taking a short walk down to the Westgate Towers recently I noticed most of the rainwater drains in the roads were completely blocked, meaning that rainwater and road debris overflowed into the river,” Mr Armstrong said.

“This situation has come about due to the city council’s failure to sweep the roads regularly, particularly in the autumn when the leaves had fallen, and KCC’s failure to clear the drains, even when the latter had been informed of the situation.

“We are constantly being exhorted to maintain our houses, vehicles and household appliances regularly for the good of the environment and our own safety, only to find that the lack of maintenance of our road services by the local councils is causing serious damage to a nature reserve.

“No doubt, if our antiquated roads are anything to go by, the sewage and rainwater disposal systems are also long overdue for drastic improvement.”

In response to the claims it is not doing enough, KCC says it regularly inspects and cleans 70,000 surface drains in the county.

An authority spokesman said: “Highway drains collect rainfall only and can discharge into many different outfalls - given the location of these drains in Canterbury it is likely they discharge into the river.

“Should residents be concerned about a blocked drain, they can report it to us. In this instance we will send an officer to investigate and any issues found will be programmed in.”

The harmful nutrients entering Stodmarsh’s lakes are causing eutrophication - a process which causes pollution and promotes excessive algae growth.

Canterbury City Council was approached for comment.

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