Severn Trent has announced plans to invest £25million to improve the sewer network in Stroud.

The company will be installing over two miles of new pipes, upgrading many of the old Victorian sewers in the town, as well as removing the existing large sewer pipe that runs through the canal channel in Stroud.

The work will provide residents with a reliable sewer network, as it will be creating more storage and larger sewer pipes, helping to protect homes and businesses from blockages and flooding.

Shannon Currall, project communications officer at Severn Trent said: “This is a really exciting project for us, as not only do we know that it’s going to bring a huge amount of benefits to Stroud, but it’s also one of the biggest projects and investments we’re doing over the next five years across our region, so it really is special.

“We know there’s a history with flooding in Stroud, which is why this project will be vital in helping to protect our customers’ homes, as well as the environment. This work will see us renewing and upgrading our sewer pipes so they are in the best possible condition, meaning less problems for everyone and better protection for the environment.”

The sewer improvement works will begin in autumn 2021, with all work due to be complete by autumn 2023.

Part of the work will also see the removal of the existing sewer pipe that runs through the canal channel in Stroud, supporting the towns multimillion-pound project to reopen the canal from the River Severn to Stroud.

Ms Currall said: “We’re really proud that this work is also able to support with the ongoing canal project in Stroud, as we know our customers and locals are behind this, and our scheme will really help support with that. We will be removing the pipe that runs through the canal, and laying a new larger pipe from Wallbridge through to Ryeford. This will hold more waste water, especially in times of heavy rain, helping to prevent flooding to the environment, and river.

“Before our work starts later this year however, we do need to carry out some essential preparation work which will help us plan the project effectively, with no delays in getting started.”

Preparation work ahead of the project starting will see teams creating trial holes across the town in order to investigate the ground conditions.

This investigative work will take place in sections on Dudridge Road, Bath Road, the A419 and on Nelson Street, and is set to be complete mid-April.

“This preparation work is vital in making sure we can plan our work properly, and have all the information needed before the project begins in autumn,” Ms Currall said.

“We’ll be creating trial holes so we can fully understand the areas where we’ll be working, to help us plan the work efficiently. When this is done, we’ll then return in Autumn to begin work on the project itself.

“We’re really looking forward to getting going on this exciting project for Stroud, and we look forward to working closely with the communities and those who live there to help us over the next two years, as we work to improve and protect the sewer network and environment”

When work on the whole project is finished in 2023, Stroud will benefit from a sewer system that holds more waste water, meaning less flooding or issues for customers and the environment.