Temporary sewage pump to be installed in Shefford – but repairs will stretch into summer
A temporary sewage pump is being installed in Shefford to address ongoing issues caused by a burst sewer pipe.
It’s hoped the new over‑pumping equipment will avoid the need for noisy tankers to remove the sewage and solve issues over smell and noise from engines and fumes.
With repairs expected to stretch to the summer traffic lights have been installed in Ivel Road, Southbridge Street, Clifton Road, and Ivel Road to ensure the safe movement of tankers and equipment.
Anglian Water expects this stage of the project to be completed by March 27, improving traffic flow and eliminating the need for tankers until the main repair works begin in July.
Multi-way traffic lights will be in place on Southbridge Road, Clifton Road and Ivel Road, while Ivel Road will be closed at the junction with Southbridge Street with two-way traffic lights on Southbridge Street, says Shefford Town Council.
An Anglian Water Spokesperson said: "We’re very sorry for the disruption caused by ongoing work at a pumping station in Shefford. The repair is very complex, and to keep everyone safe, we have had to close Ivel Road, Southbridge Street, Southbridge Road, and Clifton Road while we install a temporary pump.
“We know tankers are large and noisy, and we’re sorry for any disruption they cause while in use. All being well, the tankers and traffic management will be removed by the end of March, with a permanent repair planned for July. We thank customers for their patience while we complete this essential work."
MP Alistair Strathern, has welcomed the news after pressing Anglian Water over the issues caused by long running sewage works.
He says residents in Shefford have had to endure months of noisy manual ‘tanking’ of sewage after a longstanding fault in the local sewage network occurred at the end of last year and is calling for action to mitigate the impact of the issue until the work is finally completed.
He said: “I’m glad that after months of noisy, daily, tanking of sewage Anglian Water have recognised the need for a better interim solution.
“Once installed this temporary pumping solution will be a welcome relief for the local community.
“But Anglian also need to get a move on and finally get these longstanding local sewage issues fixed once and for all.
“It’s a real source of frustration for all of us locally that after months of enduring this issue, a permanent fix isn’t due until the summer.
“I’ll be continuing to challenge Anglian to do more to rectify this issue far quicker for our community.”
Further updates from Anglian Water can be found on the Anglian Water website.