News

Plans to improve the water network between Gloucester and Newent have taken a step closer this week, following positive discussions between Severn Trent and Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper.  

Severn Trent plans to upgrade seven km of ageing water pipes, running alongside the B4215, to ensure customers in the area continue to have a reliable water supply now and for many years to come.

The water company has revised its initial plans to carry out the work, which now involves installing sections of the new pipe on private land and putting temporary traffic lights in place along the B4215, only in areas where engineers must work on the road.

Initial plans had included a series of road closures on the B4215, but after seeking the views of the local community and Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper, Severn Trent is in the process of finalising plans that will see a change to the route, minimising the impact on people in the area.

Gareth Mead from Severn Trent, said: “We’re planning to invest £5 million to install seven km of new water pipes between Gloucester and Newent, to ensure customers have a reliable water supply for many years to come and to reduce the number bursts and leaks in the area.

“We have listened to feedback from the local community, including residents and businesses in the area, and have been in regular contact with Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper, to understand how our plans to carry out this work will impact everyone.

“Mark’s support throughout this process, as well feedback from our customers, to ensure we arrive at a final set of plans that will see this vital work being carried out with the least amount of disruption, has been hugely beneficial.

“We will continue to keep Mark updated as we move towards a finalised plan, as well as seeking the views of the local community at drop-in sessions we’re looking to organise in the near future.”

Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean, said: “I am grateful to Severn Trent for listening to the concerns I raised on behalf of local residents. At our initial meeting, they promised to look again at their plans and they have kept this promise. After listening to the community, they have come up with a new plan that is a vast improvement on the original. I am grateful to the Senior Team who met with me, and their Chief Executive, Liv Garfield for her interest in this issue. Severn Trent have said that they will keep me updated as they progress with this vital improvement work.”

Severn Trent is also in the initial planning stages to upgrade its waste water network in the area too, installing new pipes that will treat waste from Tibberton more efficiently, taking it away to a treatment works in Newent.

Community drop-in sessions are set to take place for residents in the near future, where they can hear more detailed plans and give their feedback on both projects, which are set to start in the summer.