Plans to upgrade a sewage works system near Swindon have been approved.

Thames Water representatives confirmed the news at a meeting at Watermoor Point convened by Cotswolds MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown on February 14.

Residents had 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.

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, Mr Clifton-Brown 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."