Storage tank work begins to 'help water quality'

Another storage tank is being built to help "improve water quality", a utility company has said.

Work began at the car park next to the Tally Ho pub in Barrow, Cumbria, on Monday on a tank that would be able to hold more than 285,960 gallons (1.3m litres) of storm water, United Utilities (UU) said.

The underground tank is part of UU's £100m scheme to reduce the number of times storm overflows discharge sewage into the Walney Channel, Irish Sea, and Morecambe Bay during heavy rainfall.

Construction is set to be completed in 2028, with plans under way for water quality schemes at nine locations elsewhere in the town.

The latest Environment Agency figures showed water companies across England released a record amount of raw sewage into rivers and seas in 2024.

• How much sewage is spilled near you?

Fiona Edmondson, UU regional delivery manager, said it was making "great progress" on its plans to improve water quality in the Walney Channel.

"The £100m investment will help upgrade 21 storm overflows across nine locations in the area, helping to reduce spills and enhance water quality," UU said.

Work is already under way at sites off Flass Lane and Ferry in the area, with the locations of four further projects set to be announced in the coming months.

UU said it did not require planning for the latest site as it was classed as a "permitted development".

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