WORK STARTS ON SUPER-SIZED STORM TANK TO PROTECT RIVER OUZEL

Work is beginning to create a huge storm tank designed to help stop sewage spilling into the River Ouzel.

Local MP Alex Mayer will join Anglian Water to officially launch the £1.4 million project which will boost Leighton Buzzard’s capacity to cope with heavy rainfall (this Thursday 22 January at 2.30pm, Anglian Water, Globe Lane, Linslade LU7 2TA)

Five disused sludge tanks are being converted into new storm tanks. Linked with four existing tanks, once the project is completed, the site will have the capacity to store more than 4.1 million litres of wastewater. That’s the equivalent of two Olympic-sized swimming pools.

In older towns like Leighton Buzzard, rainwater from roads and roofs flows through the same sewers as waste from sinks and toilets. During downpours, the system can become overwhelmed, with storm overflows acting as safety release valves by releasing this excess water to prevent homes and businesses from flooding.

In 2024, storm overflows discharged into the Ouzel for 557 hours, mostly during extreme rainfall. Anglian says the upgrade will significantly cut sewage spills as climate change brings more frequent and intense storms. Once the rain eases, the water will be fully treated at the water recycling centre before being safely released to the environment.

The Government has pledged to end the scandal of sewage polluting rivers. The Water (Special Measures) Act brought in mandatory monitoring of sewage overflows, with real-time data made public. Meanwhile funding for vital infrastructure investment has been ring-fenced.

Anglian Water’s Grant Tuffs said: “We are very pleased to show Alex our Water Recycling Centre at Leighton Linslade and the investment being made to help us protect the environment during heavy rainfall. This is especially important as we are experiencing more unpredictable weather and intense storms. This project is part of our largest ever business plan, which is already well underway. Worth over £11 billion, our proposed plan for 2025-2030 includes £1 billion of direct investment into tackling storm overflows.”

Alex Mayer MP added: “Protecting the River Ouzel is important to the fish and other wildlife who call it home and to all of us. No one wants raw sewage to be pumped into the river. These new tanks will help give the system breathing space during heavy rain. I was proud to vote for tough action on sewage pollution. Now we have a practical step forward.”

Work is expected to be complete by the summer.