Surprise find during water works

WORKS to repair Victorian pipes in Bolsover, near Chesterfield, at a cost of half a million pounds, are “progressing well” despite one unexpected discovery.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Jan 2012, 06:00 BST

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 section of Victorian-era sewer under Station Road and Townend completely replaced, with a further 290 metres relined.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: “While 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 works.