💧 W.A.T.E.R. – GREAT NEWS & COMMUNITY UPDATE 💧

Following another positive meeting on Friday, W.A.T.E.R. continues to grow stronger.

💷 New Treasurers

We welcomed two joint Treasurers, who are establishing our finances and banking arrangements. This will help us apply for funding and develop practical community projects. Thank you both for volunteering.

📝 New Secretary volunteers

Two residents have also volunteered to share the Secretary role, further strengthening our committee. Thank you for giving your time and skills.

Friday’s meeting also welcomed residents from Martinstown and Halstock, who face similar flooding, drainage and sewage challenges.

Progress continues

• Wessex Water sewer relining next month in Leigh, Chetnole and Yetminster

• Further investigations into the sewer network, including capacity, condition, connections and sources of infiltration, are ongoing

• Continued investigation of local drainage infrastructure, culverts, outfalls and highway drainage routes

• River Wriggle monitoring and water quality testing

• Autumn dye testing to identify rainwater entering the combined sewer initially in B.E.S.T project area (Full details next week)

• Work with Dorset Council on highway drainage and Bow Bridge

• Woodland Trust agree to conduct rainwater runoff monitoring at Brister End

• Rainwater harvesting, storage and reuse proposals

• Funding applications for practical projects

Further discussions are planned with Wessex Water and the Environment Agency, alongside our work with Dorset Council, landowners and residents. These discussions will include ongoing investigations into the sewer network and wider infrastructure, with the aim of identifying problems, prioritising improvements and developing practical solutions.

I have also submitted a detailed report to Dorset Highways requesting urgent drainage improvements and resurfacing on Brister End, from Shearstones to Eastlands.

W.A.T.E.R. is moving from raising awareness to delivering practical local solutions.

🌧️ Keep rainwater out of the sewers

🏡 Reduce flooding and sewage surcharging

💧 Protect the River Wriggle

🌱 Build a more resilient community

Thank you to everyone supporting W.A.T.E.R.

Together, we can make a real difference across the Wriggle Valley.

Paul Hollick

Chair – W.A.T.E.R.

Wriggle Action Towards Environmental Resilience