United Utilities to host drop-in session for River Irk improvement project

UU Boothroyden Road CSO proposal overview

Residents in Middleton and North Blackley are being invited to find out about a new project that will improve the water quality in the River Irk.

United Utilities will be hosting a drop-in session for those local communities to find out about the construction of a new underground storm tank in the area. The company is planning to build the tank near Boothroyden Road in Middleton on land between the M60 motorway and the River Irk.

At 2,000 cubic meters, nearly the size of an Olympic swimming pool, the tank will reduce the amount of times that the storm overflow in the area operates during periods of heavy rainfall.

The North West’s water company is inviting the public to find out more at an open drop-in session on Friday 15 March at North Manchester Golf Club, between 2pm and 7pm. Members of the project team will be on hand to talk residents through the proposals and answer any questions they may have.

Subject to securing the necessary planning permissions, construction is expected to start on site in autumn 2024 with work expected to be completed by the end of 2026. To complete the work, a temporary bridge will need to be built over the River Irk from the end of Boothroyden Road, to allow vehicles access to the site. There will also be temporary changes to access along some of the footpaths near to the river and a temporary car park behind houses on Boothroyden Close.