Fatbergs have caused almost 400 sewer blockages in the borough this year.

East London Advertiser: Thames Water spends £18 million a year clearing 75,000 blockages from the sewer network. Picture: THAMES WATERThames Water spends £18 million a year clearing 75,000 blockages from the sewer network. Picture: THAMES WATER (Image: Archant)

Figures from Thames Water show that build ups of waste poured down plugholes or flushed down loos caused 378 pongy problems in Tower Hamlets from July 2017 to August 2018.

There were 387 fatberg sewer jams the year before and 347 in 2015-16.

Thames Water’s Henry Badman said: “It may seem easier to pour oil down the sink or flush wet wipes down the loo.

“However, this can lead to expensive blockages and can have a devastating environmental impact.”

The firm spends £18million annually clearing 75,000 blockages with 87 per cent caused by fatbergs.

Fatbergs are caused when wet wipes, nappies and sanitary products enter sewers, mix with cooking oils and harden into solid lumps.

The largest ever fatberg - weighing the same as 11 double decker buses – was removed from Whitechapel last year.

Households have been asked to bin products to not block sewers.