Campbeltown Gathering
Senior officials from Scottish Water, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Argyll and Bute Council gathered to discuss issues with the Campbeltown sewerage system on 7 November 2008.
The meeting, which sought to identify possible solutions to the Campbeltown sewerage issues, was chaired by Jim Mather, MSP for Argyll and Bute and was attended by the chairman and chief executive of SEPA and the chief executive and the asset management director of Scottish Water (Mr Richard Ackroyd and Mr Geoff Aitkenhead).
Jim Mather MSP welcomed Scottish Water's information evening for local people on 25th November 2008.
Growing, thriving communities
We intend that the new sewerage system will quickly reach a standard that will allow businesses to thrive and new visitors to be attracted to the town where they will evolve and grow and continue to meet local needs.
Mr Ackroyd, Scottish Water’s chief executive said:
“This is a key objective for Scottish Water and one we are determined to resolve to the long-term benefit of the Campbeltown community. All parties involved are looking for the best possible solution. This will require careful and considered planning and implementation.
“Identifying that solution and putting it into practice will not be possible overnight and therefore we would ask our customers to remain patient.”
Our next steps
The meeting discussd short to medium term actions and also a longer-term investment scheme to deliver significant environmental and customer service improvements, such as flood risk reduction, which subject to statutory approvals, will be delivered by the end of 2011.
Working with Argyll & Bute Council
Scottish Water agreed to a joint approach with Argyll and Bute Council to investigate potential options to reduce surface water flooding
Argyll and Bute Council’s Director of Operational Services, Andrew Law said:
"The Council has recently completed a study into the long-term improvements to alleviate the surface water flooding problems in Campbeltown and we recognise that such improvements will benefit from being linked to the work that Scottish Water is considering for their sewerage system.
“We'd like to discuss issues around joint responsibility and phasing of the investment, subject to the Council's funding availability. We look forward to working with SEPA, Scottish Water and the Scottish Government in ensuring the best co-ordinated approach that is possible to improve the existing infrastructure."
We want to hear from you
Scottish Water will commence a wider public engagement, with an Open Day planned for Tuesday 25th of November at Campbeltown’s Aqualibrium. Here we will set out the proposals of our short to medium term actions and explain the benefits which these will deliver.
Scottish Water is seeking local views to assist in the development of the long-term investment solution for Campbeltown, its community and environment.
Tell us what you think about investment in Campbeltown
Mr Ackroyd concluded:
“Scottish Water’s investment programme is the biggest per property in the UK, yet our average household bill is lower than seven of the companies south of the border and lower than the combined average for water companies in England and Wales.
“We want local customers to be re-assured that we are producing the benefits to the water industry in Scotland that communities like Campbeltown need. However, we are aware of the tough economic pressures on our customers and we work to ensure that every pound represents value for money for all our customers.”
