Preston pipeline project scoops national Considerate Constructors award

A £20m project to install more than 4km of new sewer network in Preston has been awarded a national Considerate Constructors award.

United Utilities, and its contractor Bethell, are installing approximately 4.2 kilometres of new 600mm to 900mm sewer pipe - equivalent to the length of 40 football pitches – in the Hoyles Lane area of Cottam.

The project has involved tunnelling a new 150-metre tunnel under Savick Brook to house the new sewer pipe. Work began in February this year and is expected to be completed by July 2025.

Once completed it will increase capacity in the local sewer network and reduce flooding in times of heavy rainfall.

Communication with residents and the local parish council are one of the factors that led to the project being awarded 100% in an audit by the Considerate Constructors programme. Now the scheme has been granted a Bronze award which is given to projects with a value of between £5 and £50 million.

United Utilities’ Third-Party Co-ordinator, Lesley Miller explained: “This is a big project and everyone involved has gone above and beyond to make sure people have been kept informed and disruption has been kept to a minimum.

“For example, there was a risk of broadband disruption which would have negatively impacted residents working from home, Bethel acted quickly to provide a reliable alternative. We have also worked with the local bus company to make sure that bus services could be maintained throughout the works. The onsite team have built really strong relationships with residents and delivered great customer service.”

The team have also supported the local community by volunteering their own time to transform an outdoor space at Lea Endowed Primary School by restoring the pond area, clearing overgrown vegetable patches, and adding a fresh coat of paint to create a brighter space for the children to enjoy.

One pupil was given a front row seat when the tunnelling machine was launched on its journey under the Lancaster Canal.

Lesley Miller added: “We’d been along to the school to explain the work and one pupil, Billie was so interested in what we were doing and asked so many questions we decided to name the tunnelling machine after her.

“We’re very proud to be awarded a score of 100% in the Considerate Constructor audit and to win a Bronze Award as a result.”