MP visits Ilkley A65 sewer project as second phase gets underway
Local MP Robbie Moore has visited Yorkshire Water’s A65 sewer project as the second phase of the project gets under way.
The new sewer aims to reduce the frequency and volume of storm overflows into the river Wharfe during periods of heavy rain. Initial work at Yorkshire Water’s treatment saw a remote-controlled tunnelling machine begin digging under the A65.
Phase 2 of the work will see the use of trenchless technology to bore a tunnel under the A65 between Ashlands playing fields and Ilkley Wharfe View car park.
Machinery is being controlled remotely to keep disruption to a minimum while laying 800m of new sewer. This reduces the need to close the road as it lays pipework behind it and sends the earth back to the staging site where it is cleaned and recycled for use in other projects in the area.
The project is backed by £15million pounds of investment.
News of the project comes after Ilkley MP Robbie Moore criticised Yorkshire Water in Parliament last year, with Mr Moore referencing correspondence from constituents, who highlighted that Yorkshire Water’s underground apparatus had failed nine times within the last twelve months alone.
Speaking after the visit, Local MP Robbie Moore said:
“It was fantastic to visit Yorkshire Water’s new sewer project under the A65 in Ilkley to mark the start of phase 2 of these works.
After raising the issue of Yorkshire Water’s failing underground apparatus in Ilkley multiple times in Parliament on behalf of residents and campaigning for improved water quality since being elected, it was extremely encouraging to see Yorkshire Water listen to local concerns and announce this project last year.
Backed by £15 million of investment, this project will go a long way to prevent sewage discharges and improve bathing water quality at Ilkley.
With an extension to the project recently announced, I will continue to do all I can as Ilkley’s Member of Parliament to make sure that these new works are delivered as quickly as possible.“
