Berrick Salome Parish Drainage Group – Update 19th December 2025

Here is the latest from BSPDG on the situation with Thames Water (TW):

With reference to the Customer Drop-In session at the Village Hall on 26/11/25, you can review the minutes of the meeting and the TW presentation slides  – see below.

Work has now ended for the Christmas and New Year period.

This has been Phase 1 of what TW advises could be one of several phases of work, as improvements are made across the Benson catchment area. It will take some time to assess the effects of the work done so far.

We are aware of a leak on the morning of 18/12/25, from one of the manholes at the T- Junction close to the fishing pond. This was been reported to TW the same morning.

In case you have any problems or concerns over the coming weeks, contact Thames Water on 0800 316 9800 – please select option one and quote the reference BB01225764. Please also keep us informed via parishclerk@berricksalome-pc.gov.uk

The failure in the pipe in the field between the fishing pond and the Rokemarsh pumping station has been fixed. Attempts to fix it using remote methods did not work, so the only remaining option was to dig up and replace the failed section. That has been completed and the over pumping using pumps, gensets and flexible hoses overground has been terminated and the equipment is in the process of demobilisation.

Not quite all the lining and sealing has been completed. TW have confirmed that McAllisters will be back to complete that work in the New Year. TW states that a new road closure permit will be required, so that may dictate when the work can be done.

In the meantime, road tankers will continue to be required to relieve pressure on the Rokemarsh pumping station. We have no advice on expected frequency. Last one noted was overnight 16/12/25 into 17/12/25

How many phases there might be and when the works which affect the Parish might take place, are not known at this stage.

However, a meeting between the Parish Council and TW is being arranged. The aim is for a date in January and we hope to get more information and greater clarity on all issues outstanding at that time.

The operations so far have resulted in various damage to road verges, residents’ driveways and road surfaces themselves. TW acknowledge this and have advised that they will conduct repair work once the project is completed. This does make sense, but also brings up the question of how many phases and how long it might take to complete the project. We hope that TW will engage with OCC highways regarding repairs to public roads, but will check this with them at the proposed meeting mentioned above.