WORCESTERSHIRE unveiled major plans to invest in more than £100million in the county at a roadshow.
The plans, which include a commitment to help create 7,000 new jobs, were announced at the event at the Guildhall in Worcester.
The breakfast meeting was attended by county, district and parish councillors and local community groups and more than 100 people picked up free winter wellbeing packs. They included hot water bottles, mugs and pens and attendees received winter advice on pipe-lagging and how to save water and energy around the home.
Steph Cawley, Severn Trent’s customer operations director, outlined new projects, including boosting flood protection schemes, improving water quality and reducing storm overflows.
The company said by 2030, more than 29,000 people in the county will have benefited from Severn Trent’s financial support schemes, plus a further 40,000 will be on the priority services register.
Severn Trent is also aiming to invest in six of its Worcestershire sites in a bid to have carbon neutral emissions by 2030 under the proposals, part of its £12.9billion five-year plans submitted to water regulator Ofwat.
Steph said: “The roadshow was a great opportunity to talk directly to the people of Worcestershire about what we’re delivering now and what our huge plans are for the county.
“We want to continue to provide the best service, whilst ensuring a sustainable future including healthy rivers, less leaks and a water supply to deal with the impact of climate change and population growth.”
The work of the dedicated River Rangers, Community Fund, education teams and job opportunities were all discussed.
Anna Mason from Worcester, who is an Extinction Rebellion member, gave the River Rangers scheme a thumbs up and added: “I spoke to the River Rangers and they were really passionate about what they do.
“More does need to be done to clean up our rivers – but this is a really good idea.”
A team of ten rangers cover the Severn Trent region, including Worcestershire. They work closely with partners to improve river health and educate customers on how to avoid the wrong things going down the drain and into sewers.
Since being launched, the River Rangers have carried out over 5,000 riverside inspections and attended over 110 meetings with partners, environment and community groups on river health.
Severn Trent’s Community Fund has donated more than £400,000 to 17 projects in the county since 2020, including The Old Needleworks Foundation, Wildgoose Rural Training and Droitwich First Responders.
The business plans – aimed at guaranteeing a secure water supply for generations to come – are due to be decided upon by Ofwat in April 2024. The proposals will also ensure storm overflows cause no harm to rivers and that customers continue to receive a sector-leading service.
