Sewage leaks are still occurring at Biddulph Grange Country Park, with a new sewage plant yet to be installed after "major blockage issues" were detected last year.

Councillors at a meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Service Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Panel discussed the issue at a meeting this evening (Wednesday 2nd November).

The meeting included an opportunity for questions to be submitted to the council's portfolio holders.

One question asked about progress on work to prevent sewage leaks at the local beauty spot.

It said: "Why has the sewage plant for Biddulph Grange Country Park not been installed?"

It explained that "major blocking issues" were detected at the country park's public toilets in 2021, and that it became clear that a new sewage system would be required to deal with leaks.

However, this work has still not been completed after the project was allocated to a joint venture partnership between the Moorlands council, High Peak Borough Council and Norse Commercial Services.

Cllr James Aberley, Portfolio Holder for Customer Services, said: "Under the terms of arrangements with Biddulph Town Council, SMDC retained responsibility for the drains and sewerage systems which are excluded from the lease at Biddulph Country Park Visitors Centre.

"Following some major blockage issues arising from the public WCs at Biddulph Grange Country Park, the Council undertook a drainage clearance and CCTV condition survey of the pipework in 2021.

"It became evident during the course of these repairs that a new system was required to deal with the sewerage stemming from these WCs.

"An estimated cost was included in the capital programme under the Asset Management Plan. This was authorised during the budget setting process for 2022/23.

"The budgets and capital delivery staff have now transferred to Alliance Norse Limited (ANL), and this project is allocated to them.

"The focus over the last few months has been to mobilise ANL and prioritise emergency repair work over capital but as the new joint venture settles down we are looking at options to catch up.

"The aim is still to complete this work within this financial year. If not, the budget will carry forward into 23/24 for delivery. In the meantime, any repair and maintenance issues arising from the drains will be dealt with by ANL on a priority basis."