£790k investment to reduce storm overflows in Embsay

Yorkshire Water is set to begin a project to reduce storm overflows into Haw Beck, near Skipton. 

The project, which begins today (27 August), will see Yorkshire Water’s partners Mott Macdonald Bentley lining more than 1km of the area's sewer network, to reduce surface water infiltration during periods of prolonged or heavy rainfall.  

Preventing surface water entering the network will reduce the level of flow in the sewer, and decrease the frequency and duration of storm overflow discharges into the watercourse, helping to improve river water quality. 

Work will also be undertaken to construct new manholes on the network in the area. The project is expected to finish in October. 

Omair Khan, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re underway with a £180m investment to reduce storm overflows across the region by April 2025. This project at Embsay is just one part of that investment and will significantly reduce the discharges from our overflow, helping to improve the health of the Haw Beck.” 

From 2 September, two-way traffic lights will be in place on Barden Road and the public right of way from Kirk Lane to St Mary’s Church will be closed. This part of the work is expected to take two weeks, and the road and footpath will be returned to normal immediately once the work is complete. 

Omair added: “We thank road users and local residents in advance for their patience and understanding whilst we undertake this necessary work.”