Nature Calls the 'Shotts' in North Lanarkshire

We are urging residents in Shotts, North Lanarkshire to help wipe out chokes following a big spike in sewer blockages in the town.

In the last five years, Scottish Water workers have had to deal with 53 blockages in just two small areas of Shotts - Springhill and Torbothie.

This week, a bold and creative behaviour change campaign was launched to target these areas directly.

A range of Nature Calls campaign marketing activities is urging householders in both areas to act and help wipe out sewer blockages by binning wipes. 

In addition to a striking piece of direct mail drop, Scottish Water is grabbing residents’ attention through street stencils, outdoor posters, social media adverts and local events raising awareness of the problem. 

“This localised campaign activity in Shotts is specifically targeting known hotspots where we have spent a great deal of time, effort and resources fixing burst sewer pipes. ”

Georgina Reid
Scottish Water Corporate Affairs Manager, West

Georgina Reid, Scottish Water’s corporate affairs manager in the west region, said: “Our wider Nature Calls campaign asks the people of Scotland to bin wipes and other bathroom items to help protect nature. This localised campaign activity in Shotts is specifically targeting known hotspots where we have spent a great deal of time, effort and resources fixing burst sewer pipes. 

“Across Scotland, we attend around 36,000 blockages a year - which Scottish Water clears at a cost of £7 million. Wipes and other common bathroom items simply don’t break down in our sewers, they combine with fats, oils and greases and can affect how the sewer operates. This can then lead to sewer flooding in communities and harm the environment.” 

Scottish Water’s Nature Calls events team will host a stand at Shotts Healthy Living Community, Kirk Road, Shotts, ML7 5ET on Wednesday 20th and Wednesday 27th September to promote campaign messaging locally. 

Georgina added: “It really isn’t difficult. If people could simply take the time to stop and think and bin the wipes instead of flushing, many sewer blockages and consequent bursts could be avoided. It’s vitally important people understand that wipes are not welcome in our sewers and we hope this campaign motivates them to change their behaviour.”

As part of the Nature Calls campaign, Scottish Water is calling for a ban on wipes containing plastics. People can back the ban by adding their name and email to the supporters list here.