Responding to community concerns regarding untreated sewage discharges into Ampney Brook from the Ampney St Peter Sewage Works, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP for The Cotswolds convened a meeting in Cirencester on February 14 to resolve the issue. At the meeting senior officials from Thames Water confirmed that a major upgrade to the sewage works has been approved and funded.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including district and parish council representatives, and environmental groups including WASP and Cotswolds Flyfishers. Richard Aylard, Thames Water's External Affairs and Sustainability Director, led the discussion, accompanied by project experts Paul Parfrey and Rachel Turner. The gathering provided a platform for candid dialogue about Thames Water's plans to tackle the problem directly.
Following a productive exchange, Thames Water announced the approval and funding of a major upgrade to the sewage works. The proposed enhancements, stated to commence in September 2025, aim to significantly bolster treatment capacity and curtail untreated discharges into Ampney Brook. Importantly, the plans are future-proofed to accommodate growing populations and changing environmental dynamics.
Thames Water also shed light on broader initiatives, including plans for neighbouring areas such as Fairford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Cirencester. Of particular interest was the unveiling of Europe's largest infiltration reed bed, at the Shorncote Sewage Treatment works just outside Cirencester, poised to revolutionise wastewater treatment processes.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, Vaughan Lewis from WASP emphasised the importance of addressing groundwater infiltration, drawing inspiration from successful interventions in Bourton. Such insights underscore the collaborative effort required to mitigate environmental challenges.
The government's commitment to addressing storm overflows was reaffirmed, backed up by up to £60 billion capital investment and regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding public health and the environment. Thames Water, recognising its pivotal role, announced record spending to tackle river pollution, up to £1.6 billion, signalling a concerted effort towards sustainable solutions.
The Government, the Environment Agency, and Ofwat are increasing the accountability of water companies, with £2.2 million per year specifically for water company enforcement activity. Since 2015 the Environment Agency has brought 58 prosecutions against water companies, securing fines of over £141 million, including a record £90 million fine for Southern Water in 2021.
Commenting on the meeting, Sir Geoffrey 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 17th May 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".
