A MAJOR project to improve the sewage system in a village near Yate is due to begin as part of a multi-million scheme.
Water supply company Wessex Water is planning to install three new below-ground storage tanks at three different locations within Frampton Cotterell.
Officials say, once completed, the tanks will ease the flow of large amounts of rain into sewers during heavy storms.
According to Wessex Water, this should help “significantly reduce” the automatic operation of storm overflows into the River Frome.
The first storage tank will be capable of holding 225,000 litres of water and has cost £1.5 million.
Work is due to start this month and will begin on land next to the Frome Valley Walkway off Church Road.
Similar projects are also scheduled to start further downstream in May and July, bringing the total amount of new storage in place in the village to nearly 900,000 litres.
It comes amid the public outcry against sewage dumps and concern over river pollution levels in recent years.
According to Environment Agency data, the sewer storm overflow at Church Road spilled 104 times for a total of 1,137 hours into the River Frome.
Project manager Andy Roberts said: “These are substantial investments into our sewer system in Frampton Cotterell which will help to protect the River Frome by reducing times when untreated water reaches it via the automatic operation of storm overflows.
“The combined sewer system can be overwhelmed by rain in heavy storms but, by holding this excess water back in these tanks, we can then return it to the system later, via the Frome Valley Relief Sewer, so it can go onward to a water recycling centre for treatment.
“We’ve written to nearby customers and businesses about the first of the projects, a deep excavation just off Church Road next to the River Frome and have also advised the parish council and local South Gloucestershire Council members about this work.
“A small section of the Frome Valley Walkway will be diverted along nearby Meadow Mead and Rectory Road during the construction and we’ll be reinstating the area, including a memorial bench we will carefully remove while work takes place, when completed.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Wessex Water is hosting a public drop-in session on Thursday, April 18 2024 between 3-6pm at Charlie’s Room, Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, BS36 2DA.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel