United Utilities is progressing work on a £20 million project to install more than 4km of new sewer network in Preston - the pipeline scheme has recently been awarded a national Considerate Constructors award.

United Utilities, and its contractor Bethell, are installing approximately 4.2 kilometres of new 600mm to 900mm sewer pipe in the Hoyles Lane area of Cottam.

The project has involved tunnelling a new 150-metre tunnel under Savick Brook to house the new sewer pipe. Work began in February this year and is expected to be completed by July 2025.

Once completed it will increase capacity in the local sewer network and reduce flooding in times of heavy rainfall.

Communication with residents and the local parish council are one of the factors that led to the project being awarded 100% in an audit by the Considerate Constructors programme. Now the scheme has been granted a Bronze award which is given to projects with a value of between £5 and £50 million.

United Utilities’ Third-Party Co-ordinator, Lesley Miller explained:

“This is a big project and everyone involved has gone above and beyond to make sure people have been kept informed and disruption has been kept to a minimum.

“For example, there was a risk of broadband disruption which would have negatively impacted residents working from home, Bethel acted quickly to provide a reliable alternative. We have also worked with the local bus company to make sure that bus services could be maintained throughout the works. The onsite team have built really strong relationships with residents and delivered great customer service.

“We’re very proud to be awarded a score of 100% in the Considerate Constructor audit and to win a Bronze Award as a result.”

Sewer upgrade work starts in Burneside

United Utilities also separately started work last week to upgrade the sewer network in Burneside.

The company is replacing around 820 metres of sewer to install new larger diameter pipes as well as constructing of a new pumping station with storage capacity to help reduce the occurrence of localised sewer flooding within the villagewill be carried out in phases through to summer 2027.

Once the new sewer is in place the existing pipes from properties will then be reconnected into the new sewer.

The work will be carried out in phases and all activity is expected to be complete in summer 2027.