MP visits major Portsmouth scheme - 30/7/2010
A Portsmouth MP viewed a major engineering project that will help prevent sewer flooding in the city.
Mike Hancock, MP for Portsmouth South, was shown Southern Water’s new pumping station in Bransbury Park, Eastney. Built entirely underground, the pumping station can enable 9,000 litres of flood water – that’s enough to fill about 115 baths - per second to be pumped away from Portsmouth during heavy rainstorms.
It will act as a back-up facility to the existing station in nearby Henderson Road. Mr Hancock heard how the £10 million scheme, which completed three months ahead of schedule, means Portsmouth is now better protected from flooding during storms.
He said: “I’m very impressed that this has come in on-time. I’m delighted that we have the fall-back facility that Portsmouth has been crying out for. While it’s caused disruption in this area, it’s got to be praised for giving benefit to the city. It’s money well-spent and hopefully future developments will give us greater protection against flooding.”
Southern Water Director of Communications Geoff Loader led the tour.
He said: “We’re pleased Mr Hancock took the opportunity to hear about this important investment which is being followed by more Southern Water work to address the risk of flooding in Portsmouth.”
