Motorists and pedestrians unlucky enough to travel past a bubbling leak which “smells of urine” are concerned it could cause an accident.

For the past three weeks water has been coursing out of a drain on Farmhill Road in Waltham Abbey.

Despite the fact that Thames Water has been notified of what appears to be a leaky pipe, the liquid continues to course out.

Leak observer Jo Chadwick said: “It has now turned into not dangerous ice rink conditions for pedestrians and motorists.

“It is only a matter of time before an accident occurs.”

As well as acting as a safety hazard the leak has gotten up the noses of those living nearby.

David Smith, works at Saint Thomas and St Edward Church, said: “It smells a little bit. It smells of urine.

“The cars come by and it gets on their wheels, which causes the smell to waft up. We had the same thing about six months ago. They are always telling us not to waste water but they waste more than us.”

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We’re currently investigating the cause of the leak but because there are two clean water pipes in the area we will need to dig down to establish exactly where the problem is.

“In the meantime, we will grit the road tonight and whenever the temperature drops.”