An engineering solution from Severn Trent has resulted in a big reduction in sewage in the River Chelt.

Data published in January 2023 suggested that there had been an increase in sewage spills near Dunkerton's on London Road, on the outskirts of Cheltenham. Following the increase, Alex Chalk MP for Cheltenham met with Severn Trent at the site.

The increase in sewage was found to be due to an upstream blockage, which was cleared.

Thanks to the support of thousands of Cheltonians, Severn Trent agreed to a major engineering project (in effect a colossal holding tank to cater for periods of heavy rain) to address the issue.

That work was completed in January 2024 and has delivered a 99% reduction in spills.

After decades during which the issue was not addressed, the £0.5m solution means a cleaner, greener River Chelt for all.

Mr Chalk said: "Sewage spills into our rivers are, sadly, nothing new. They act as a safety valve to stop loos backing up at times of heavy rain and have operated in Cheltenham for decades."

He added that the combined overflow system (when rainwater flows into the sewage network) is not unique to the UK and there are similar arrangements in place across Europe, including in Denmark and Germany.