Sheepfoot Lane
To create a more resilient region, we’ve committed to improving the health of rivers, lakes and waterways, helping to make the North West stronger, greener and healthier. That commitment includes major investment in our wastewater network and treatment infrastructure, so we can continue to reduce the frequency of combined sewer overflow (CSO) operations.
As part of our investment plans, we’re acting right now to improve water quality. See an overview below of the investment work which will be taking place in your area.
One of these projects is a £5 million-pound scheme in Oldham to enhance water quality in Plumpton Clough and the River Irk by reducing the number of times our storm overflows operate.
We’ll be working in the Coldhurst and Royton area to optimise and increase the capacity of our sewer network local to Sheepfoot Lane CSO. This will involve installing new pipework and equipment, building some storage chambers and changing the location of our existing outfall.
You can see the timeline of our works below
We started work in early 2026 and we appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to create an efficient and sustainable project that benefits everyone involved and improves the River Irk.
You can see more information about road closures in the map below.
The new underground pipeline has now been installed along Sheepfoot Lane and through land to the east of Boundary Park Football Stadium. Construction of the new screening chamber is also underway, and we are preparing to connect the new infrastructure to the existing wastewater network. Once these works are complete, we will carry out the final reinstatement of Sheepfoot Lane, with the road expected to reopen in October.
Following a review of the design, we have updated our plans for the new outfall into Plumpton Clough. Rather than constructing a new outfall headwall, we will now connect into the existing section of the watercourse beneath Oldham Athletic Football Club's main car park. As part of this revised approach, there will be increased construction activity near properties on Carlton Way while the additional underground pipework is installed, with work expected to begin by the end of July.
Once the new pipework has been installed, the affected areas will be fully reinstated. New manhole covers and concrete surrounds will remain visible, but the previously proposed outfall headwall will no longer be required.
We will update this web page accordingly with the latest updates. Thank you for your patience.