Severn Trent has started work today (Monday 5^th August) on the installation of an underground tank which will store rain water during heavy rainfall, easing pressure on the sewer system and helping to prevent flooding in Hinckley.

When completed, the tank – which is being installed below the car park of Sparkenhoe Business Centre on Southfield Road – will have a capacity of 330,000 litres, or the equivalent of 40,000 full bathtubs.

The installation of the tank is part of Severn Trent’s £6.7m investment to enhance the sewer network in Hinckley and includes an additional 1.5km of new pipes.

Helen Purdy, Community Communications Officer at Severn Trent, said: “We’ve seen a lot of heavy rain in the last 12 months, and these downpours can cause so much surface water our sewers are overwhelmed.

“This work that we’re undertaking in Hinckley will improve our network and create additional storage for some of this rainwater, which can then be released more slowly into the sewer system.  This will help to cut down the current use of storm overflows and ultimately improve the health of local waterways.”

While the business centre will remain open throughout the works, the lower car park will be closed except to deliveries and disabled customers.

The works are expected to be completed by early 2025.