£500,000 sewers project launched

Contractors are working to install a giant underground waste water storage chamber in the field next to Dryclough Road, which will be capable of holding 250,000 litres of water – equivalent to the volume of 3,125 baths full of water.

The work, which is expected to be completed by the middle of May, is part of Yorkshire Water’s £120m scheme to upgrade its sewer network and treatment facilities to further reduce the risk of sewer flooding, which can occur when sewers become overloaded during heavy rainfall.

The new storage tank will collect storm water during wet weather and hold it until a time when it is safe for it to be released back into the local sewer network.

A new 250-yard sewer, which will run under part of Blackmoorfoot Road, along William Horsfall Street and Dryclough Road, is also being installed.

Part of Dryclough Road has had to be closed while work in the area is being undertaken which may limit vehicle access to some drives.

Den Tansey of Yorkshire Water’s community engagement team said: “This work is being carried out to improve our sewerage system in the area and ensure it’s better placed to meet the growing demands it comes under, particularly during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall.

“More intense storms resulting from climate change, increased housing development and the paving over of green spaces are all increasing the amount of surface water entering the sewer network. This, combined with people disposing of inappropriate waste in the sewers, is contributing to an increased risk of sewers flooding homes and properties.”

The company has contacted local residents to make them aware of the work, why it is being done and the benefits it will bring.