Issue - meetings

Representatives of United Utilities will attend the meeting to make a presentation and answer questions in relation to planned sewer works on Otterspool Road, Romiley which are scheduled to commence in January 2014.

Tony Lowes and Stephen Taylor representing United Utilities and Jon Brown (Traffic Management Engineer, Stockport Council) attended the meeting and made a presentation in relation to proposed sewer works on Otterspool Road, Romiley. 

It was stated that the intention of the works was to minimise the environmental impact of sewage overflow during periods of heavy rainfall on Hatherlow Brook by introducing a new waste transfer pipe along sections of Otterspool Road such that any overflow would discharge into the River Goyt.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Works were scheduled to take place for approximately 12 months from January 2014, although the impact on vehicular traffic would not be constant throughout this period as work would also be taking place off the highway.

·         The Council would issue press releases and erect advanced warning signage in the vicinity of the proposed works before it commenced to allow drivers to plan alternative routes.

·         A discussion took place around alternatives to the highway works on Otterspool Road to mitigate the impact on road users.  In response, representatives of United Utilities stated that all alternatives had been considered and rejected for technical reasons and not based on cost.

·         When completed, the current odour issues associated with sewer discharge into Hatherlow Brook would dissipate.  Councillors commented that not all odour issues in the area were connected with overflow from the sewer as the problem had been experienced during dry periods.  In response, it was stated that United Utilities were aware that the Romiley Board Mill also discharged into the brook which had caused some odour problems.

·         The Council had the ability to control the duration of highway works on Otterspool Road and there were fines that the Council could impose if the works overran.

RESOLVED – (1) That Tony Lowes, Stephen Taylor and Jon Brown be thanked for their attendance.

(2) That the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration be requested to liaise with United Utilities to prepare and submit regular reports to the Area Committee providing an update on the progression of the sewer works on Otterspool Road, Romiley.