Work to boost river water quality

Engineers have completed work on a project to improve the quality of water in rivers near Penrith in Cumbria.

Water firm United Utilities has spent £6.7m improving its sewer system in Langwathby, Skirwith and Winskill.

The year-long project has seen the installation of two new pumping stations, and construction of a new 5km (three-mile) pipeline.

A company spokesman said there would be immediate benefits to the water quality of the nearby River Eden.

Conservation areas

Project manager Simon Povey said: "The new equipment means we can shut down the two smaller village sewage works at Skirwith and Winskill.

"Instead, their waste water will be pumped to Langwathby treatment works where it will be treated to even higher standards.

"The River Eden and its tributary Briggle Beck are special areas of conservation and the water in both will now be better than ever.

"That's got to be good news for the wildlife and anyone who loves using or visiting the river."

The project also involved the removal of about 30 non-native cypress trees near the Langwathby treatment works.