Severn Trent is to embark on a major £17 million scheme in Etruria which aims to reduce flooding and future proof the network for further growth in the area. The project will be located in the playing fields between Clough Street and Warwick Street.

To enable the scheme to take place parking restrictions are expected to be needed to ensure that any vehicles needed have access to the site. The restrictions are expected on the full length of Timmis Street with the public footpath opposite Kilndown Close also closed off while the work takes place. 

Some preliminary work has already taken place on the site with more expected before the project gets underway in February. Residents living close to the field will also receive house survey to ensure properties are not affected during construction.

Warwick Street resident Florian Antohi said: "I'm not too bothered to be honest. It's been going on for a while but they've had some breaks but it is noisy in the back."

Parking restrictions will be placed on Timmis Street whilst the work takes place (LDRS).

Work is set to start in just a month's time and expected to last just over a year. Once the project has been completed that land will be restored and improved where possible, to ensure that the community won't know the tank is below them.

However resident Paul Driver was worried about the potential impact on parking. He said: "We don't really know much about it yet. We are a bit wary of it because it's so close to the houses.

"I don't know why they couldn't put it further up the field away from all the houses. I can also see parking becoming a potential issue but we'll have to wait and see."

Part of the update project will involve digging a massive 20 metre hole in the field to install a tank capable of holding 5200 m3 of wastewater. It is hoped this work will allow the Fowlea Brook to receive an ecological status upgrade.

This will enable the tank to be installed underground to store the excess water. Existing combined sewer overflows will also be upgraded in this time; this will enable wastewater to be screed to a higher standard.

Kay Gill, Community Communications Officer at Severn Trent, said: "This project represents a significant £17m investment in local infrastructure. With a growing population and more severe weather events due to climate change, it's really important that we're upgrading and enhancing our network to make sure it's ready to meet these challenges.  

"At Etruria our teams will be installing a new storage tank that will ensure that the wastewater network is able to handle increased volumes of water. This will help to improve river health and make a contribution toward our target of improving the Fowlea Brook's ecological status. 

"We completely understand that large and important projects like these can sometimes be disruptive, and our teams will be working hard to minimise any disruption and inconvenience to local residents."

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