THE RIVER Leam is a stroke closer to becoming a safe place to bathe.
Ground investigation work has begun this week on a multi-million pound project to improve water quality in the River Leam.
The investigation work, being undertaken by Severn Trent Water, is taking place at the Pump Room Gardens, Midland Oak Park, Riverside Walk and Leam Road in Leamington as part of the first stage of the programme to improve water quality by reducing overflows and spills from the local sewer network.
It will involve digging various trial holes – by both hand and with an excavator – and drilling boreholes with a specialist rotary and percussion rigs to enable geotechnical samples to be taken.
The survey areas will be fenced off while the contractors are on site, which is expected to be around ten days.
This project is part of Severn Trent’s Green Recovery Bathing Rivers programme, with a total of £78 million being invested to improve the water quality along more than 50km of rivers in Warwickshire and Shropshire.
Warwick District Council’s leisure and environment spokesperson Coun Judith Falp said: “Severn Trent’s plans to improve water quality could offer significant benefits to residents offering the potential for more water-based activities as well enhancing the biodiversity of these areas.
“We thank our park users for their patience and cooperation while these important surveys are taking place.”
Wilfred Denga, Bathing Rivers Programme lead at Severn Trent, added: “While we don’t own our region’s rivers, we recognise that we have an important role to play in improving river health. We’re really excited about the work we’re going to be doing across Warwickshire to achieve healthier and cleaner rivers, and we can’t wait for our local communities to enjoy the benefits of this, no matter how they use the rivers.
“This early ground investigation work is vital and will help us work out exactly what we need to do further down the line. We really appreciate everyone’s patience while we carry out this work.”
