Nork Residents' Association

New main will secure supplies to Sutton area

STOP PRESS
Sutton & East Surrey Water Company have released the route map of the projected water pipeline from Mogador to Burgh Heath

The main section of the vital new 500mm diameter pipeline will be laid under the A217 and will inevitably result in expected delays. Work is expected to start on July 25th and finish approximately 19 weeks later sometime in November.

The new pipeline is expected to provide the company with “greater flexibility and resilience within its entire distribution network, particularly during periods of low rainfall and drought”.

Protracted discussions took place with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and the Banstead Commons Conservators to explore and negotiate all of the route options. It was then finally decided to install the main under the A217.

The company plans to maximise daylight working hours and work at least six days a week. Where practical they will also consider working weekends at complex crossings and connections. In addition, the company aims to start the scheme at three different locations at the same time during the summer school holiday period when the A217 is expected to be less busy. However, due to the complexity and scale of the project it may not be possible to carry out the entire work during this period.

The need for a new strategic main

Sutton and East Surrey Water is working on plans to install a new strategic main to deliver additional water from Mogador to storage reservoirs five kilometres away at Burgh Heath. The main will:

• Run from Mogador to Burgh Heath

• May have to be routed down A217

Sutton and East Surrey Water’s Operations Director, Mike Hegarty, said:

“Currently, our resources are vulnerable in the Sutton area whenever there is prolonged lack of rainfall. At such times the boreholes in the area do not produce enough water to guarantee that demand will always be met.

This new pipeline is not an option. It must be installed as part of our commitments to our regulators and customers.”

Specialist environmental consultants have been engaged to assist with the process.

Key consultations have taken place with Surrey County Council’s Highways Department, Transport for London, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, Natural England, Surrey Wildlfe Trust, land owners and others.

Drop-in events
To keep local residents fully informed about the project the water company will hold two Drop-in information events. These will be held at:

• Kingswood Village Hall on Saturday, 25 June (1pm-6pm)

• St John’s Church Hall, Tadworth, on Wednesday, 6 July (10am-9pm).

Young children are welcome and facilities will be provided to interest them while parents view the display.

More details can be found on the company’s website: www.waterplc.com