WESSEX Water (WW) is urging people in Wiltshire to take extra care when disposing of fat from their Christmas turkeys.

About 75,000 turkeys are expected to be served across the county on Christmas Day, producing 17,000 litres of fat, which could cause blocked sewers if poured down the sink.

Last year WW was called to 2,500 blocked sewers in the county, many of which were caused by fat congealing in sewers among other items.

To prevent such blockages, the company is asking people to let the turkey fat cool before depositing it in a bin.

Head of wastewater strategy at WW Matt Wheeldon said: “While our sewerage system can cope with human waste and toilet paper, it is not designed to be a waste disposal unit so it’s important that customers do their bit to help prevent blockages.

“Pouring fat down the sink causes thousands of blocked drains in our region every year, leading to flooding and environmental pollution incidents.”