An East Yorkshire village is set to benefit from around half a million pounds’ worth of investment in an effort to prevent sewage flooding its streets.
Residents in North Newbald, which is located around 10 miles west of Beverley, have suffered from raw sewage flooding their streets hundreds of times over the years, with Yorkshire Water engineers called out to the village no less than 164 times in the last five years.
The village lies on natural springs, and following sustained periods of heavy rainfall, which began in October and November last year, groundwater has infiltrated its sewer system. The result of this is that sewage from the pipes is pushed out by the groundwater and onto North Newbald’s streets.
After being contacted by local residents, local MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, contacted Yorkshire Water in order to highlight the extent and importance of the issue and to ask that they commit to an investigation for a long-term solution.
At a meeting convened by the MP, also attended by Beverley Rural Ward Councillors Pauline Greenwood, Barnard Gateshill and Kevin Beaumont, as well as Newbald Parish Councillor Beccy O’Sullivan, flood risk officials from Yorkshire Water confirmed that following a 12-week CCTV investigation, £500,000 investment into sewer improvements would be completed before March 2022.
The new funding will go towards lining the sewers in an attempt to prevent groundwater ingress into the pipes.
Speaking following the meeting, Graham said: “It’s not fair that North Newbald residents have had to put up with stinking streets over the years, so it’s important that someone steps up to the plate to find a solution.
“I’m grateful to officials from East Riding Council and Yorkshire Water for meeting with me last Friday to discuss the issue, and for their commitment to spend £500,000 improving the sewers. It’s a significant step forwards.
“It’s not a panacea though, because groundwater is so difficult to predict, so I will be continuing to ask Yorkshire Water what else can be done to prevent this from happening, especially given that rainfall is increasing year after year due to climate change.”
Clerk to Newbald Parish Council, Suzanne Smith, added: “We’re pleased that Graham arranged last week’s meeting, where the number of attendees demonstrated how important this issue is to local residents.
“Yorkshire Water’s commitment to improve the sewers is very welcome, and we’ll continue to work with Graham to keep the momentum going on seeking a long-term solution.”
