Safeguarding Supplies for Ashford
South East Water is continuing with its £24 million scheme to build a 35 kilometre strategic main from Bewl Water reservoir to Stubbs Cross, in Kent, to safeguard supplies for Ashford.
The new main is essential to secure water supplies for the town which has a steadily increasing population and strong commercial development.
The 500mm diameter (20 inch) main is being laid in three phases. The first two phases between Bewl Water Reservoir and Biddenden have already been completed, and work has now started on phase three which runs from Biddenden to Stubbs Cross.
In fact, the new water pipeline has unearthed a des-res from yesteryear – one that’s over 2,000 years old.
South East Water discovered the remains of an Iron Age settlement at Shadoxhurst, near Ashford. Construction work was temporarily halted in the area to allow a team of archaeologists to investigate and record and preserve the ancient finds. They include evidence of postholes of an Iron Age roundhouse, five buried cremation urns and a large amount of pottery.
A flint tool discovered during archaeological investigations before the installation of a new water pipeline.
Once completed, the new water main will be able to supply treated water from Bewl Reservoir to customers across the Weald and mid-Kent area, as well as to new homes planned in Ashford as part of the town’s expansion.
The work is being carried out by contractors, Clancy Docwra, and is scheduled to be completed by 2010.