Work beings on wastewater treatment site in Cumbria

A new wastewater treatment site has started to be built in Cumbria in order to improve the water quality produced in the area.

The £13 million project will replace existing sewage treatment facilities at Shap, which were built in the 1960s.

United Utilities is behind the initiative and it states the new plant will help benefit wildlife in the region.

Spokesman for the firm Martin Williams said that the quality of the wastewater returning to the River Leith will be superior to the water that is currently being pumped into it.

He remarked that the new site, which will be built on adjacent land, will have a greater capacity than the existing plant.

"By adding a new storm detention tank, we will be able to catch and store even more water during heavy rains, so less of it finds its way into the river," Mr Williams added.

People living in Lancashire will also be able to access good quality water as United Utilities has announced it will clean 608 miles of water pipes in Preston, Fylde and Ribble, as part of a £24 million project.

Posted by Joseph Hutton