A massive new outfall pipe measuring over 2 miles long has been installed in a huge trench under the sea.



This amazing feat of engineering took place yards off the beach and just across the road from United Utilities on-going £80m project at Anchorsholme Park.

The supersize outfall pipe which forms an important part of United Utilities work to overhaul the sewer network in Blackpool will be used during periods of heavy rain to pump storm water away from the overloaded sewer network and far out into sea, helping to protect bathing waters.

Since 2015, engineers from United Utilities have had a presence above and below ground at Anchorsholme Park.

A new 30 metre deep storm tank, a new pumping station which will have the capacity to pump 14 tonnes of water per second through the massive new outfall pipes are just some of the major engineering activities taking place, which will help protect Blackpool’s Blue Flag beach.

Stephanie Wyatt from LOVEmyBEACH said: “The work taking place here will help improve the quality of the Fylde coasts bathing waters even further. Twenty years ago only 18% of the North West’s bathing waters met minimum standards; in 2016 this figure was 100%. Due to fantastic work from United Utilities, and efforts from across the whole community, we’re now able to enjoy safer, cleaner bathing waters.”

Cllr Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The improvement to Blackpool’s bathing water quality over the last five years has been phenomenal, resulting in cleaner seas, better conditions for marine wildlife and even a coveted Blue Flag.

“That work has only been possible through partnership work with United Utilities and other partners and this work is another example of the scale of work that is taking place to continue that improvement.

“Improving sea water quality isn’t just about giant pipes and new storage tanks though, the public need to do their bit to keep our beaches clean, such as picking up their litter and after their dogs, and only putting the rights things down the toilet and drains.”

United Utilities work will be finished in 2019 and a completely revamped Anchorsholme Park will be re-opened in 2020, boasting a new bowling club, a café, outdoor seating area, children’s playground, sports area with tennis courts and a trim trail.

Steve Wong from United Utilities said: “We appreciated the co-operation of the local community while we complete this massive project.

“I hope the temporary disruption will be worth the wait – with an improved sewage system, which will play a massive park in ensuring bathing waters are cleaner on the beach just metres from the revamped park.”

For information about keeping our seas clean, go to www.lovemybeach.org