PEOPLE in Wisbech's De Havilland Road were left with mud on their faces – and all over in some cases – after a road sweeper accidentally sprayed them with filthy water.
Pedestrians, cars and property were covered in a brown, oily, muddy water as the driver made his way along one side of the road and back up the other at about 11am on Monday.
Catherine Higgins, of Elm Road, Wisbech, was one of the people who got s
plattered as she was standing waiting to cross the road to the chemist.
The driver - who was unaware he was leaving a trail of spray in his wake - was stopped by Catherine’s husband Rob, who drove in front of him.
People were told this was the driver’s first day in the job and he was unaware the flap which stops the water from spraying out was partially open.
Catherine said he was very apologetic and gave out cards where people could ring and complain. Catherine’s white long-sleeved top was ruined by the mess but she escaped lightly.
“One lady was wearing a new skirt and had come into town to find a top to match and she was sprayed on all her clothes.
“Some people had their faces covered and their clothes. It wasn’t very nice.”
Catherine said one woman had to cancel a hospital appointment because she couldn’t get home to get changed in time to make the appointment.
“I was going shopping and I had to come home because I was covered in this muck,” said Catherine.
In apologising for the incident, a spokesman for Fenland Council said anyone who has a claim should write to: Fenland District Council Environmental Services, Melbourne Avenue, March, PE15 OEN, outlining what happened.
