Severn Trent welcomed MP Stuart Anderson to its Ludlow sewage treatment works to showcase how it is improving river health with the pioneering use of ozone disinfection.

The South Shropshire MP heard how the cutting-edge technology works by cleaning waste water to the highest possible standard, before being returned to the river in its most natural state.

The scheme is part of Severn Trent’s £78m Bathing Rivers project which involves improving over 50km of waterways, including helping towards creating a ‘bathing river’ quality stretch of the River Teme in Ludlow.

In addition to a tour of the sewage works, Mr Anderson also heard more about Severn Trent’s £450m plan to reduce storm overflow spills.

The region-wide programme of investment is already underway and once complete, some 20% of spills from storm overflows are set to be eradicated. The accelerated programme of initiatives will see the company delivering improvements across around 900 sites in 2024 alone. 

Mr Anderson said: “It was fascinating to have a tour of Severn Trent’s sewage treatment works here in Ludlow and hear how ozone disinfectant can help improve river health on the River Teme.

“It was also very encouraging to hear about Severn Trent’s plans to cut storm overflow spills with £450m of investment - a real issue of importance to local people.”

Thomas VanPraag, Lead Project Manager for Severn Trent, said:  “We are committed to restoring and revitalising rivers, including the use of ground-breaking ozone technology being used here in Ludlow.

“We were delighted to host the visit of Mr Anderson and show him exactly how this pioneering scheme works and also how we are investing £450m to reduce storm overflow spills.”