April 28, 2025

Big investment to protect and restore the Ouse Burn

The Ouse Burn is set to benefit from a major environmental investment as part of Northumbrian Water’s (NWL) ambitious plan to reduce storm overflow spills and improve water quality across the North East.

Between now and 2030 NWL will invest £1.8 billion in a large-scale environmental programme, tackling pollution from storm overflows and improving local waterways – including key projects within the Ouseburn catchment.

As part of the initial phase NWL has committed to upgrading 239 storm overflows across the region, including two in Longbenton – Salters Lane and Grassholm Place – which discharge into the Ouseburn. Looking ahead to 2030-2035, further investment is planned to reduce spills from Acomb Crescent.

Although the work is still in the early planning stages, NWL will engage with local communities, stakeholders, and organisations, to ensure the best possible outcomes for the river.

Richard Warneford, Wastewater Director, Northumbrian Water Limited, said:

“We are currently in the early stages of planning and will work closely with customers and stakeholders as we develop these plans. We look forward to working with the Ouse Burn Vision to deliver meaningful improvements.”

 

The £14m investment in the Ouse Burn area has been welcomed by environmental partners, including the Reece Foundation, which champions initiatives to improve water quality and the local environment in the area, who are hoping the upgrading of storm overflows will have wider benefits, improving the environment throughout The Ouse Burn Valley and The Letch.

Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation and Ouse Burn Way Project Board, said:

“Restoring and protecting the Ouse Burn is vital for both wildlife and local communities. This commitment and level of investment from Northumbrian Water, will help create a cleaner, healthier waterway in the Ouse Burn Valley for future generations. A clean water strategy is a key part of the vision for the Ouse Burn Way, and crucial to enable nature and wildlife to thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these improvements bringing long-term benefits to those living and working nearby.”

This investment is a big step forward in creating a cleaner, healthier Ouseburn.