YORKSHIRE Water has found just 18 private sewage pumping stations in Barnsley among the 720 believed to be in the Yorkshire area – prompting a plea for help. 

Government legislation means they will be transferred to Yorkshire Water ownership in October.

Dave Wilson, transfer manager at Yorkshire Water, said: "They literally could be anywhere, in a customer's garden, on public land next to a house or business or just on the side of the road.

"Normally you will only see the steel access covers and a metal kiosk, usually green, which contains the electrical control equipment for the pumps. However, many of the controls are located in customers properties.

"It is really important that we find these remaining stations now so we can survey them and make sure they are eligible before the transfer date next year. That is why we're asking for customers to help us find them."

If you have information call 0345 1242424.