£260k investment in Gleadless storm overflows to reduce discharge into Shire Brook

Work has begun at Seagrave Crescent, Gleadless to reduce the levels of surface water discharging into Shire Brook. 

It’s part of a £260k investment by Yorkshire Water to disconnect surface water sources across a 20-hectare site in the Gleadless area.  This will ease the flow of surface water mixing with wastewater in the combined sewer system, by diverting directly into the water course. 

Reducing the flow of surface water during wet weather and periods of prolonged rainfall, will halve the current length and frequency of discharge from the Seagrave Crescent storm overflow spilling into Shire Brook. 

Work started on site in May when partners Mott MacDonald Bentley began disconnecting 1860m length of water pipes to redirect surface water to the watercourse, reducing the current overflow by 50%.  This is part of a £180m investment project across Yorkshire by the end of April 2025 to reduce discharge from storm overflows.   

Lumi Ajayi, project manager, Yorkshire Water, said:  “We are committed to improving watercourse across Yorkshire and are investing £180m by April 2025 to reduce storm discharges.   

“This is one of a number of investment projects across Sheffield and South Yorkshire to improve water quality in our rivers as we know that it is a key concern for our customers.  Once complete, it will significantly reduce the level of discharging going into Shire Brook and improve the general water quality.”