Fylde MP, Andrew Snowden, has visited the site of a major £5.5 million investment by United Utilities to strengthen Kirkham’s sewer network and reduce flood risk.
The project is creating a 300 metre underground stormwater storage tunnel, more than four metres below ground, capable of holding over two million litres of water, the equivalent of around 26,000 bathtubs. New larger pipes are also being installed between the railway line and the William Segar Hodgson playing fields.
The scheme will reduce storm overflows into Wrongway Brook and other waterways around Kirkham that flow into the Ribble, and protect homes when heavy rainfall overwhelms the system.
Andrew said:
“This is a major investment in preventing flooding here in Kirkham. Creating this extra capacity means the system is far less likely to be overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, helping to protect local homes and improve water quality. I am pleased to see this work is well underway and we are liaising closely with United Utilities throughout.
“But this cannot be the end of the story. I am continuing to press for further investment across Fylde to tackle flooding and reduce sewage spills. Residents quite rightly expect more to be done, and I will keep pushing United Utilities and ministers to secure the upgrades our communities across Fylde need.”
Simon Holding, County Business Lead for Wastewater Services in Lancashire added that the tunnel will hold excess water during heavy rainfall which will ease pressure on pumping stations and treatment works and reducing the risk of the system being overwhelmed.
