Road collapse averted due to works

Since October, engineering specialists Barhale WSP have been working with Yorkshire Water to help reduce the risk of pollution at the Station Road combined sewer flow, as a result of bricks becoming lodged in the sewerage system.

The work will see a 170-metre section of Victorian-era sewer under Station Road and Townend completely replaced, with a further 290 metres relined to “boost its robustness.”

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: “Whilst work is progressing well, it hasn’t all been plain sailing, with Barhale WSP uncovering a huge void above one stretch of sewer which was immediately filled in with concrete.

“Had this not have been discovered - if it wasn’t for the work it’s unlikely it would have been - it could have caused a collapse in the road which would in turn have had potentially serious consequences.”

The spokesman added that water quality in the River Doe Lea should be “significantly improved” as a result of the sewerage works.

Paul Almond, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “The work we’re carrying out in Bolsover is vital to ensure the sewer network remains fit for purpose, and we’d like to thank local

residents for their patience and reassure them we’re working as hard as we can to get everything completed as quickly as possible.

“The void in the road was certainly unexpected, but once it was discovered the team moved quickly to fill it in and make it safe again, which is good news for everybody concerned.”

The Yorkshire Water spokesman added that the company would be investing £100m in order to “ boost river environments in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire between 2010 and 2015.