As you are aware Severn Trent are carrying out upgrade works at our works in Beckford. The work we are carrying out will involve overhauling the original reedbed onsite and installing 3 additional beds within the boundary of the works to allow the flow to increase from 9 l/s to 19 l/s. This means we will have more capacity during storm events and an improved final effluent entering Carrant Brook.
When the team started it became apparent that the culvert on the access route was damaged and would not take the weight of our operational vehicles and construction traffic which would be travelling to and from the site. A temporary metal bridge was installed after consultation with the landowner as this existing bridge is owned by the estate, this would then allow the project to carry on. When this was installed, ourselves and Worcestershire county council (WCC) were advised this bridge was not suitable for some horses due to the noise being created by the hooves when they walked over the bridge. In some scenarios rubber matting could be considered as a potential solution to be installed on the bridge to dampen the sound created from the hooves during crossing. A matting option was agreed it couldn’t be used as it would need to be secured down to the bridge structure affecting its integrity deeming it not fit for purpose and there was also the risk of anything over 5mm creating a trip hazard for the public walking over. We consulted with WCC and they agreed the only solution would be to close the bridleway.
We fully appreciate this is very popular access route for pedestrians and walkers as well as horse riders, but we must follow the guidelines which advise the path has to be closed to all users for safety of the public who use it.
We are continuing to look for solutions and until such time we will need to keep the bridleway closed. This maybe for the majority of the project which we aim to complete which would be mid-2026.
We thank the Parish Council for meeting us onsite for us to explain the situation we are facing. We will continue to liaise with the Parish Council to keep you all updated on the progress of the work.
Severn Trent Water
PO Box 407
Darlington
DL1 9WD
March 2025
ST Classification: UNMARKED
Who do I contact about the work?
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If you have any queries about this work, please get in touch with me on 07977592495 between Monday-Friday 08:00am – 17:00pm (please quote the project title – Beckford project Ref: 6157028
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If you experience any issues with your water or sewerage service while the work is being done, please call our 24-hr operations centre on 0800 783 4444.
Yours faithfully
Paul Hughes
Community Communications Officer
Severn Trent