Update on Ruscombe Brook

Last year, as many will know, we had a catalogue of very serious incidents of raw sewage escaping into the Ruscombe brook and surrounding fields including into the Randwick tributary. Over 70 local people came to the Ruscombe Brook Action Group (RBAG) conference at Ebley Mill to share their concerns and seek solutions.

Photos above:15th Dec: Randwick tributary, 15th Dec: Monster tractor with 10 tonne trailer to unblock pipes, 12th Nov: manhole in field opposite Archway School, 17th Nov: pipe and chamber collapse

Severn Trent officers also came down from Dudley earlier this year to meet with members of RBAG. We have been very disappointed that at this time they do not see it as a priority to consider more sustainable, cost-effective solutions like reed beds that would reduce the health risks from sewage still further and improve the biodiversity.

Severn Trent have however taken a number of significant steps to improve the situation like cutting plant roots that have grown inside the sewer pipes. These actions will reduce the likelihood of these appalling incidents that are such a serious health risk to people and livestock. Just this month RBAG are celebrating that Severn Trent have at last redesigned and replaced a sewer pipe bridge across the brook - a site that has experienced some of the most serious incidents of sewage getting into the brook.

All these improvements are great news and we are also pleased that Severn Trent have agreed to work with us on improving the situation further - however independent water experts that we have consulted have suggested that our problems are unlikely to be over - not just in terms of water quality but also the sewer infrastructure.

Indeed just this week we have been alerted to two possible collapsed sewers near Acres Place and Puckshole. Severn Trent have just visited the sites and will be sending cameras underground to see the extent of possible damage. We are hopeful that the 'damage' is infact badgers digging and the sewers are still intact - if this is the case only mimimal work will be needed. I suspect though that RBAG still has much work ahead and we will be continuing to seek long term sustainable solutions for the brook.

Meeting with British Waterways

We did for some months try to meet with British Waterways to discuss their proposals for the Lawns where the Ruscombe brook enters the canal. The Lake at the Lawns, for those not familiar, is a large pond hidden in woodland opposite Tricorn House. The area has had several clean-ups by members of the community, the most recent being this year by the Stroud Valleys Project.

British Waterways have clearly been very busy getting funds for the canal regeneration project and we certainly congratulate them on their success which we hope will bring many benefits to the area. We finally manage to arrange a meeting with them on 17th March at Ebley Mill to which RBAG invited all the key players like the Environment Agency, Stroud Valleys Project and local councils.

British Waterways' funding is clearly limited - we are therefore delighted that their draft plans include de-silting the lake and establishing a small set of reed beds there. However I think it is fair to say that virtually all around the table were disappointed with British Waterways' proposals: indeed water experts were unanimous in their view that the best and most cost effective way to deal with the problems is to also do work further up the brook say at Hamwell Leaze.

British Waterways, to give them their credit, have said they will consider this approach but I suspect for many reasons they wont be able to take this route - but at least we can celebrate the fact that the Lawns and the surrounding area will be improved. At this point we are still waiting to hear back from British Waterways - time is racing ahead for all on this particular project as all the work needs to be completed in under a year!

RBAG meets every month in peoples homes in the area and have a number of projects in the pipeline including a wildlife survey and a joint project with Severn Trent to raise awareness about water. To join us or hear more call me, Secretary of the group on 01453 755451 or visit our website at: www.rbag.org.uk

WATER VOLES AND OTTER SURVEY TRAINING?

Choice of two dates: SATURDAY 3rd JUNE 2006 or SATURDAY 24TH JUNE 2006
Both are from 10.00AM-1.00PM at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
The water vole, or ‘Ratty’ is threatened by habitat loss and predation from American mink. There are a few remaining populations in Gloucestershire. Otters are becoming more common, but are still rare. Staff from the Environment Agency will explain how to look out for signs of water voles and otters with the aim to survey a few places this summer where they used to be found. Who knows, one day Ruscombe Brook could be clean enough for voles and otters if the Action Group have their way. Free course, donations appreciated. Contact: Stroud Valleys Project 01453-753358