News of a £250,000 project to improve how sewage is managed in the village of Codicote near Stevenage has been welcomed by residents and Stephen McPartland, the local Member of Parliament.

Stephen McPartland MP said, "I have been campaigning alongside local residents for a number of years to identify a resolution to this problem. I am delighted Thames Water have brought forward both the plans and funding to deal with the unpleasant odours once and for all. It certainly will make a huge difference to Codicote."

Thames Water began work on its site off Rabley Heath Road this month, when it will install a new sewage pumping system and construct a small road to improve access for its tankers and maintenance vehicles. The company has also committed to pump sewage away from the site more regularly in future to reduce odour.

Waste Networks manager Mark Grimshaw said, “We want to be a better neighbour to our customers in Codicote so we’ve listened to their feedback and are taking action. The new pumping system and more regular removal of sewage from our site will make a real difference, particularly following heavy rain, so it was good to be able to take them to the site and tell them what we’re planning.”

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