Why are we investing in Barrow?

As part of our long-term Action Plan for Barrow, we’re working on a multimillion-pound investment programme to reduce storm water spills and enhance water quality. We’re exploring a variety of techniques to improve Barrow’s water quality including building storage tanks and
separating surface water from the combined sewer system, which would
involve ‘re-plumbing’ drainage pipes from roofs, car parks and highways.

 

Why Flass Lane?

It’s the central point between 9 storm overflows and with one project we can reduce spills from all 9 (not shown on map). Other locations were considered.

Starting at Flass Lane

Flass Lane is one of our flagship projects to improve water quality in Barrow. We’re starting work now to prepare the way for new underground storage to complement the existing treatment infrastructure and help to further reduce stormwater spills.

We’re proposing to build a new 27 metre diameter storage tank which can hold around 5,500m3 – that’s more than two Olympic sized swimming pools! This will provide storage for 9 storm overflows in one location and reduce disruption across Barrow. Upon completion, the site will be landscaped back to grass with a fenced compound containing a kiosk (building). The fence will mostly be screened by the existing hedgerow apart from the new access gate off Flass Lane.

Why do we need storm overflows in Barrow?

Storm overflows have been a feature of the sewer systems for over 150 years acting as a pressure relief valve to protect homes and businesses from the risk of flooding when there’s too much rainfall.

Our work in Barrow will see improvements to 21 storm overflows in 9 locations across the Barrow catchment, reducing spills and enhancing water quality in the Walney Channel, Irish Sea and Morecambe Bay.

Carrying out the project considerately and safely

We understand that construction activity can be disruptive and our teams will do all they can to minimise the impact on the local community and road users throughout the project.

When will we be working?

Our normal working hours are 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. We don’t currently anticipate a need for working weekends or public holidays. Should we need to undertake works outside of our usual working hours we will notify you in advance.

What can we expect?

The majority of works will be undertaken in the field however, there will be certain activities that require traffic management on Flass Lane. During busy periods we will actively manage this, to keep any delays to a minimum.

During working hours there will be an increase in construction noise. We will implement processes to monitor this and mitigate excessive noise where possible. Construction sites can be messy and dry weather can cause dust. We will implement mitigation measures to suppress dust and minimise dirt leaving site. We will keep you informed of any changes to our scheduled work which may affect you.

 Proposed timeline (*subject to change)

Timeline	Details
Spring 2025	Ground investigations and survey works
Summer 2025	Submission of planning application
Summer/Autumn 2025	Further investigations and surveys to support the detailed design
Late 2025	Site mobilisation to commence
Early 2026	Main construction works begin
2027	Planned completion expected