This month I visited two of the Northumbrian Water sites within our constituency. First, Rothbury Water Treatment Works (WTW), where I met with members of their operations team and Heidi Mottram, their Chief Executive. I then visited Embleton Sewerage Treatment Works (STW), where I met their Director of People and Corporate Services, Louise Hunter.
Both visits were a great opportunity to learn about the work being undertaken by Northumbrian Water. Due to the nature of their operations, their treatment works are situated in remote locations, meaning much of the work and the investments they make often go unnoticed. These visits are important as they give me the chance to learn about their current and planned work that supports my constituents, as well as an invaluable opportunity to discuss issues face-to-face.
Rothbury WTW is a site located 13 miles north-west of Morpeth. The site has been in operation since 1935 but has been updated several times since then. Most of the flow that reaches these works are pumped to the site, which has recently had a £4.3 million upgrade. During the tour I was updated on the details of the upgrade, which will increase the capacity of the works, replace ageing assets and improve the site's operation and performance.
Embleton Sewage Treatment Works (STW) is located to the south of Embleton accessed off the Embleton to Craster road adjacent to Spitalford bridge. Embleton has also received a large investment by Northumbrian Water recently of £3 million.
The upgrade has improved the site's storm and biological treatment to meet the increasing demands brought about by development in Embleton and the surrounding villages. The work enables Northumbrian Water to improve the quality of rivers and coastal waters for the benefit of people, the environment and wildlife, which I know from constituents contacting me is an increasing priority, and something I care about too.
I found both visits valuable. Water companies are not all the same and I regularly meet with Northumbrian Water to obtain a balanced overview on their plans for investments, which total £4.5 billion in the next five years, the largest investment in 30 years. Constituents interested to learn more about the activity of Northumbrian Water can visit their news and media section of their website here.
This builds on the Government's recent action too of course:
- 26 Mar – new whistleblowing portal
- 11 Mar – fast-tracked investment of £180m to prevent over 8000 spills
- 20 Feb – fourfold inspections increase
- 11 Feb – bonuses ban for bosses water companies with criminal breaches
