Questions about the promised works to install a storm overflow tank near the mouth of the River Sid.
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South West Water is under some scrutiny – by the press, by the councils and by residents – the last report on these pages looking at South West Water @ Sidmouth Town Council this time last year.
Since then, all manner of questions have risen – and below we consider a couple rising from the promised works to install a storm overflow tank near the mouth of the River Sid.
Firstly, to what extent is SWW cutting it rather too fine with its works on the Ham?
In a press release on 1st December, SWW trumpeted its £12m project in Sidmouth – with a video from its project manager Charlie Ford.
In a piece in the latest Herald, we hear more as the storm tank project begins to help reduce Sidmouth spills, where journalist Richard Torné questioned the project manager and town councillors:
The announcement comes after the local authority criticised delays to the project at a recent council meeting. Work had been scheduled to start in September but was then pushed back to November 24, sparking concerns that the work would cause disruption to next year’s folk festival.
However, the council has reportedly received assurances that if the project is not completed before the start of the event, work will be suspended.
Speaking to this paper, Cllr Chris Lockyear said: “If they are delayed for whatever reason, then there are options to suspend the work and basically restore The Ham so it can be used for the Folk Festival. I am happy with that. They’ve committed to keeping in contact during the whole project, and they’ve also given us a series of key milestones. So, it’s not a matter of us being blindsided – we will be informed as things progress. If they have problems and it’s delayed, then the Folk Festival will be able to carry on, and they will finish the work in September.”
Charlie Ford, project manager at SWW, conceded that the temporary closure of The Ham “may cause some inconvenience” but added that the long-term benefits of the project “will be significant”.
This report followed on from a presentation given by SWW to the town council on 1st December – where several resolutions were agreed to:
a) Members agreed unanimously that they were content for works go ahead on the basis of the assurances provided by South West Water. b) it be noted that SWW confirmed that, the Ham would be ready for Sidmouth Folk Festival to begin rigging in July 2026. c) SWW to give regular progress updates to track against milestones throughout the infrastructure works d) a joint Press Release to be issued on progress in the near future. e) an agreement be confirmed in writing from South West Water for temporary and final reinstatement works.
And in tomorrow’s paper, the Herald reiterates that the Sidmouth sewage upgrade will not disrupt the 2026 folk festival.
Another question is to what extent can residents and businesses on the Ham be reassured about the impact of these works on their properties?
There have been two meetings with Glenisla Terrace residents, one including a local business, in August and November, with the Projects Manager and Site Manager for the Trial Works. Full encouragement was given for feedback at any time prior or during the Works – especially concerning noise levels and vibrations felt to the adjoining properties.
And so, as work begins, reporters, councillors and residents are continuing ‘to monitor the situation’.
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