THAMES Water has submitted an application to carry out work on the sewage works in Barnfield to cope with the projected increase in Swindon’s population over the coming years.

The current facility has the capacity to cope with 213,000 households but with the town due for major expansion the company felt it was important to increase this.

As a result they have asked to add equipment that will allow them to cope with more than 250,000 homes, which is expected to be enough to see the town through to 2026.

Sewer flooding has previously affected homes in the Rodbourne Road and Cheney Manor Road area. It is hoped that by increasing the treatment capacity at the treatment works, building a new sewer pumping station and upgrading sewer connections in the Cheney Manor area will address this.

Odour control work will also be carried out.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We need to upgrade Swindon sewage treatment works to cope with expected increases in population.

“Expanding the capacity will also help prevent sewer flooding to local homes.

“Sewer flooding is a highly distressing experience so this work is essential to help protect people from sewer flooding.”