New drainage system to deal with heavy rain in Preston

The new tunnel is expected to bring significant environmental improvements to the Fylde coast and the Ribble Estuary

Got a leaflet through the door today about a project that United Utilities are putting in place to deal with sewers overflowing in Preston when there is heavy rainfall.

The leaflet states:

At present when Preston experiences heavy rainfall the sewers in Fishergate Hill, Marsh Lane, Watery Lane and near Penwortham pumping station become overwhelmed, resulting in storm water overflowing into the River Ribble.

Our proposed new £114 million project will reduce the number of spills into the River Ribble.”

Map showing the proposed route for the flood tunnel

The work will cause disruption to Preston City Centre. The work is expected to be completed by 2012 and will begin in Spring 2009. Work within the city centre is hoped to be completed by Christmas 2011.

You can find out more on the United Utilities website and download a copy of their Environmental Improvement Scheme flyer.

I’m waiting on a comment from Save The Ribble about the scheme.