25 February 2010
Two rivers in east Lancashire flowing through Blackburn and Darwen are to undergo a multi-million clean-up breathing new life into them.
We are currently submitting planning applications for the work, due to start in May and lasting five years which involves building a number of new underground storage tanks and upgraded miles of sewer pipes across the borough.
The rivers Blakewater and Darwen, will be transformed and see new habitats for wildlife and significant environmental improvements to the Fylde Coast bathing water. Shellfish beds located within the Ribble Estuary will also benefit as both rivers eventually makes their way out to sea.
There is going to be significant disruption caused in some areas of Blackburn and Darwen. Working closely with the council's highway team, we will keep disruption to an absolute minimum.
The huge water clean up is scheduled to start in the Infirmary Street area of Blackburn in May 2010.
Carly Ratcliffe, our project manager said, "We'll literally bring the hearts of both rivers back to life, transforming the quality of the water that currently enters the rivers from the local sewer network following heavy downpours of rain.
"When the scheme is finally completed there will be 1000m3 of additional wastewater storage at a number of newly installed underground tanks. In addition, the installation of high tech filter screens will prevent grit and other debris entering the watercourse, and a number of new outfall pipes will be built.
"Blackburn's rivers will be revitalised and improved for local anglers, they will be attractive to walk along, they will create new habitats for wildlife and they will improve a safe and cleaner environment for everyone to enjoy."
Councillor Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment said, "We are currently in the early planning stages for a large majority of the schemes and will continue to work with the utility company on keeping the disruption to motorists to an absolute minimum.
"It's not an ideal situation but the longer term benefits the scheme provides to the wider community outweighs the short term disruption. We will of course continue to monitor the disruption on a daily basis."
Jeremy Westgarth, Environment Manager for South Lancashire at the Environment Agency said, "The Environment Agency welcome the work being undertaken by United Utilities to improve the water quality of the Darwen and Blakewater.
"We have worked closely with United Utilities to encourage them to look at ways in which they can help make improvements to the sewage network. This will help to create a better water environment in line with European standards."
In the last five years, we have pumped millions of pounds into cleaning up Lancashire's rivers and as a result species once thought to be in decline such as salmon, eel and otters are now returning.
Provisional programme:
Sudell Road, Darwen - April 2010-August 2010
Aqueduct Car Park - May 2010-11
Bolton Road, Blackburn - May 2010-11
Wesley Street, Blackburn - May 2010 - November 10
Gorse Street, Blackburn - Jun 2010 - Feb 11
Infirmary Street Area - May 2010 - May 12
Witton Park - May 2011 - May 12
Larkhill Area - Apr 2011 - Oct 12
Audley Range/Queens Park Area - April 2011 - Apr 13
Cob Wall Area - May 2012- Oct 14
For further media information, contact:
Shaun Robinson, at United Utilities press office on (01925) 237088. (please note our new 24-hr number) *All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
Lucie Higham, at Blackburn with Darwen Council on (01254) 585777 or email lucie.higham@blackburn.gov.uk
Marianne Webb, at Environment Agency's North West press office on (01925) 542621