THE boss of a drainage company has warned Dorset residents to be careful what they flush away - as 'fatbergs' are becoming more common.

Martin Anderson, managing director of Metro Rod Dorset, said they are coming across the congealed masses more and more across Dorset - particularly in the built up areas of Bournemouth and Poole.

A fatberg is created when people dispose of fat and grease down their drains, and that combines and congeals with non-biodegradable products such as wipes.

The company say the costs can be really high to remove and clear.

Mr Anderson added: “Our engineers deal with blockages caused in this way on an almost daily basis, and the problems seems to be getting worse.

"We can expertly deal with this kind of blockage using techniques such as high-pressure jetting to clear any build up, and even drainage repair if necessary, but we’d also like to help educate Dorset and try to lessen the damage caused in this way.”

“This is also costing the UK’s economy a huge amount to deal with, not to mention the inconvenience and potential health risks caused by drain blockages and overflows, so we urge you all to put wipes in to the bin after use and any fat, oil and grease in to a container before also disposing of it in to the bin”