THAMES Water representatives confirmed that plans to upgrade a sewage works system near Cirencester have been approved at a meeting last week. 

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for The Cotswolds, arranged the meeting at Watermoor Point in Cirencester on Wednesday, February 14 after residents raised concerns about untreated sewage discharges in Ampney Brook from the Ampney St Peter Sewage Works. 

Thames Water's external affairs and sustainability director Richard Aylard led the discussion, accompanied by project experts Paul Parfrey and Rachel Turner, and announced the approval and funding of a major upgrade to the sewage works. 

The proposed enhancements, which are due to commence in September 2025, aim to significantly bolster treatment capacity and curtail untreated discharges into Ampney Brook. 
 
Thames Water representatives also shed light on broader initiatives, including plans for neighbouring areas such as Fairford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Cirencester. 

They also spoke about the large infiltration reed bed at the Shorncote Sewage Treatment works, just outside Cirencester.

Key stakeholders including district and parish councillors and environmental groups also attended the meeting to air their concerns.
 
Vaughan Lewis from WASP (Windrush Against Sewage Pollution) emphasised the importance of addressing groundwater infiltration, drawing inspiration from successful interventions in Bourton. 

Commenting on the meeting, the Cotswold MP said: “I am delighted that after many years of pressuring Thames Water at each of my six-monthly public meetings about Ampney St Peter sewage treatment works, and raising constituents concerns at the highest levels, along with local campaign groups and residents I have managed to really get this issue on Thames Water’s radar to push this project forward.
 
“I was also pleased to receive assurances from Thames Water that this project is definitely going ahead and there is no going back.
 
“This issue will be raised at my next river pollution meeting on Friday, May 17 which any constituent is welcome to attend and put questions directly to key people from Thames Water and other relevant stakeholders.
 
“I will, of course, continue to follow developments very closely to ensure Thames Water deliver on their commitments."