All I Want for Christmas is a New Sewer!

15 December 2010 8:19

Christmas is on its away, however, for the people of Larkspur Rise and Old Suffolk Road in West Belfast, it came early in the form of a new sewer.

NI Water recently upgraded the sewer which serves the people of Old Suffolk Road and Larkspur Rise following flooding in the area. This area had a history of flooding brought about by a sequence of faults in the sewer and blockages caused by inappropriate materials. When combined with the effects of heavy rain this caused surcharges on both the main road and in the properties of Larkspur Rise.

NI Water’s Customer Manager for the area, Gary Little comments:

"NI Water has a very positive working relationship with the Lenadoon residents group and has worked closely with them regarding problems in the area. The issue of out of sewer flooding was highlighted through local meetings and discussions and through investigative work, it became clear that action was required. The scheme was extensive and comprised of the replacement and enlargement of over 60m of sewer on the main Suffolk Road and diversion of a foul sewer from Larkspur Rise.

Through our continued cooperation with the residents, we have been able to investigate their concerns and on some occasions carry out remedial works. Consequently, we are presently involved in work to carry out further localised improvements to the drainage infrastructure in the wider Lenadoon area.

I would however add that improvements of the local sewers are not a universal cure and would continue to emphasize the role that all local residents can play in adopting the Bag It and Bin It approach when dealing with household waste – only flush toilet roll. The presence of inappropriate materials such as sanitary towels and baby wipes in the sewers was a central factor in these recent events."

Elaine Culbert from Larkspur Rise said:

"We are grateful to NI Water for carrying out this valuable work which will benefit not only Larkspur Rise but the whole community. The group and I have worked closely with NI Water on this and other issues, and the recent work demonstrates the benefits of working together to resolve community problems. We look forward to continuing the good relationship with NI Water to build on the improvements we have made and in helping them spread the message that we as a community also have a part to play in maintaining the safe operation the sewerage systems in Lenadoon."

West Belfast MLA Tim Attwood commented:

"This is just one example of the benefits of cooperation between local representatives and NI Water working with and for the people of West Belfast.

I will continue to work closely with NI Water as work to the sewerage system continues and I would like to thank them for their considerate approach to the community during the scheme."