Community alarmed by relentless traffic and potential environmental risks at Wivelsfield Sewage Works — but here's where it gets controversial: is the infrastructure truly enough to support a growing village, or are we ignoring a ticking time bomb? Few issues evoke such passionate debate as infrastructure overload, and this situation at Wivelsfield is no exception.
A local councillor has urgently called for immediate repairs and upgrades at the sewage treatment facility to prevent ongoing, round-the-clock disruptions in the village. The disruption has primarily stemmed from sewage tankers operating 24 hours a day between Wivelsfield and nearby Goddards Green. These tankers are part of ongoing efforts to improve the site, but their operation has led to what residents describe as "traffic chaos" across different parts of the village.
Councillor Sue Morris, who represents the Lewes Green Party, highlighted the issues: "Residents are accustomed to seeing tankers at the pumping station on the eastern side of the village, which has a history of operational problems since the development of Charters Gate. Now, they’re witnessing chaos on the western side of Wivelsfield, where part of Ditchling Road is being used as a makeshift parking area for these vehicles."
She emphasized the urgency of investing in increased capacity for the sewage treatment plant to prevent environmental spills and cope with the expanding population. Morris pointed out that the pressure has been amplified by recent construction, including 150 new homes built in Wivelsfield, with plans for another 487 currently in the planning stages.
Southern Water has confirmed that the use of tankers is a temporary measure. A spokesperson explained that some flows are being diverted to treatment facilities elsewhere during upgrades.
The company expressed regret over the inconvenience caused: “We apologize for the noise and disruption caused by our tankers in the Wivelsfield area. The upgrades we’re implementing are crucial for ensuring the plant remains resilient and capable of handling future demands.” They clarified that recent work involves replacing equipment that distributes wastewater over the treatment beds and strengthening key structural hubs.
During this upgrade period, the plant may experience reduced efficiency, hence the need for tanker diversion. Fortunately, authorities have indicated that the tankers were withdrawn on the most recent day, hoping to avoid their use moving forward as work progresses.
And this is the part most people miss: infrastructure upgrades are essential not just for maintaining day-to-day services but also for protecting the environment and supporting the sustainable growth of communities. But how can local residents and authorities strike the right balance between necessary upgrades and minimizing disruption? Do you believe the current measures are sufficient, or are more radical solutions needed? Share your thoughts and join the debate!
