Project to reduce storm overflows into Wharfe has begun

Tuesday, 7 May 2024 13:38

Ben Rhydding wastewater treatment works (Image: Google)

Work has begun at Yorkshire Water’s Ben Rhydding wastewater treatment works to reduce the number of discharges into the river Wharfe, helping to improve water quality.

The work will include lining of 2.8km of sewer upstream of the site. Once completed, the lining will reduce infiltration of groundwater into the combined sewer network, significantly reducing the flows of stormwater to the treatment work during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall.

The £900,000 project is being carried out by Mott MacDonald Bentley and modelling indicated the project will cutting the frequency of discharges to the river Wharfe by approximately 15%.

It is expected to be completed in August and will include work on Cragg Drive, Ben Rhydding Drive, Brighton Road, Undercliffe Rise, Constable Road, Ben Rhydding Road, Lower Constable Road, Clifton Road, Connaught Road and Manly Road

Omair Khan, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We are committed to improving water quality in Yorkshire rivers. This project is part of a £180m scheme we are delivering by April 2025 to reduce overflows to our rivers and coastline.

“Work has now begun, and our contract partners will be working for the next three months to deliver the improvements to the sewer network. While the lining of the sewers is taking place, we will be working hard to reduce disruption as much as possible and have already informed customers directly impacted by the work.

“As well as this project at Ben Rhydding, we will also be investing in our overflow on Wyvil Crescent in Ilkley in the coming months. These projects follow the construction of a new sewer under the A65 and additional work planned at Ilkley wastewater treatment works to build a new wetland, all of which is designed to reduce overflows into the watercourse.”

More from Local news

Changes to bin collection dates over Christmas

Residents are being urged to take note of alternative bin collection dates over the festive period so that they don’t miss them.
Entries close in three weeks for tenth Ilkley Business Awards

Organisers of the 2026 Ilkley Business Awards are reminding businesses within LS29 that entries close on 9th January 2026 – and there will be no extension.
Airedale NHS microbiology staff announce December strike

Microbiology workers at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have announced plans to take industrial action later this month, citing concerns about pay and working conditions.
Classic Victorian thriller next at Ilkley Playhouse

Classic Victorian thriller Gaslight opens in the Wharfeside Theatre at Ilkley Playhouse on 15th January, Caroline Mutton previews this and more highlights for the start of 2026.
Review: Ilkley Concert Club, James Newby & Jong Sun Woo at King's Hall

Geoffrey Mogridge reviews Ilkley Concert Club, James Newby & Jong Sun Woo, King’s Hall, Ilkley, Wednesday, 10th December 2025.
Ilkley's Christmas church advent and carol services

As we prepare for Christmas all the churches in Ilkley have been busy with carol and advent services.
Community group praises council’s swift response to moor fly-tipping

Last week a serious case of fly-tipping was reported along Moor Road by the Cow & Calf. Items included building materials, bath, toilet and cabinets.
Ilkley charity brings community Christmas cheer

Over 100 local residents enjoyed an early Christmas treat when volunteers from Ilkley Good Neighbours, accompanied by 6th-form students from Ilkley Grammar School, delivered gifts to their homes.
Frantic bidding war for Burley-In-Wharfedale auction property

A three-bedroom terraced house in Burley-in-Wharfedale has been sold using Dacre, Son & Hartley’s auction service and generated a vast amount of interest with dozens of viewings and 131 bids.
Success again for local nursery

Esscroft Private Nursery in Burley-in-Wharfedale has been named Nursery of the Year at the prestigious Yorkshire Prestige Awards 2025/26, winning the coveted Legacy Award.
Route Revealed for Rudolph's Tractor Run this Sunday

Rudolph's Run is coming back on Sunday 21st December, with over 200 decorated tractors set to light up the streets of Yorkshire's villages and towns and the route has been revealed.
10 week A65 roadworks for essential drainage works start January

Developers of the new housing project on Skipton Road in Ilkley say essential drainage infrastructure works will mean a lane closure of the A65 for approximately 10 weeks.
Join Ilkley Civic Society for its Christmas walk

Ilkley Civic Society is inviting walkers to a ‘Find Your Way around Ben Rhydding’ heritage walk on Saturday 27 December from 11am.
Local charity refocuses its mission as demand for children’s mental health support surges

Local children’s charity, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, has announced a strategic refocusing of its work to place greater emphasis on supporting children experiencing mental health challenges, as concerns continue to grow across the region.
Airedale emergency department 'exceptionally busy' with flu cases rising

Airedale Hospital says its Emergency Department is exceptionally busy and staff are having to prioritise the sickest patients.
The Box Tree recognised as one of the best restaurants in Leeds

The Box Tree restaurant in Ilkley is celebrating after being included in The Telegraph’s list of the 21 best restaurants in Leeds.
Swing into Christmas promises an evening of festive favourites

It’s full steam ahead for The Northern Swing Orchestra as they prepare for their forthcoming festive concert ‘Swing into Christmas’, on stage at The Kings Hall in Ilkley on Friday 19 December 2025.
Local dads raise £11,892 to support Airedale Hospital and Community Charity

Will Schaffer, Sam Prus, Martyn Stocker, Joe Smith, and Dan Chadwick - all from Ilkley - took on the 82-mile Dales Way walk with a goal to complete the challenge in under 36 hours.
Second leg of 'magical' Santa tour starts on Friday

The Ilkley & District Round Table is celebrating a hugely successful start to this year’s Santa Float with hundreds of families stepping outside to greet Santa and support local causes in Addingham, Valley Drive and Ilkley Town Centre.
Yorkshire Water finally lifts five-month hosepipe ban

Yorkshire Water has lifted its hosepipe ban today (Wednesday), bringing an end to restrictions that have affected more than five million people since July.