Severn Trent is showcasing a major new £20m investment in Matlock during a week of free community events – including a photo exhibition about the town’s history.

A series of drop-ins will run from 13^th April when staff will highlight the exciting plans, answer questions and listen to feedback from locals.

Severn Trent River Rangers will also host a guided walk along the River Derwent in Matlock Bath on 16^th April.

The £20m investment includes a major upgrade for Lea Sewage Treatment Works to boost site capacity and improve the health of the River Derwent by cutting spills with the installation of a new storage tank, plus reducing phosphorous in the treatment process.

The work is already underway with a huge new bridge recently installed over the River Derwent to the treatment works.

Dad-of-two Chris Toone was Severn Trent’s lead project manager on the bridge scheme and said: “I’ve lived in Matlock all my life, so know how important the River Derwent is for local people, including canoeists and local angling clubs.

“We’ve already held consultations with those groups but would welcome more feedback from all residents during Matlock Week – we know we haven’t always got it right here, but we are here to listen.”

Susanna Taylor, Severn Trent project manager for the Sewage Treatment Works upgrade, added: “Removing phosphorous is a major part of the scheme, as it will have a positive impact on the quality of the River Derwent - hugely important to local people and Severn Trent.”

Matlock Week will see events held at the Town Council’s Imperial Rooms, where visitors can also enjoy a free photography exhibition showcasing the area’s incredible water heritage.

The town began as a tiny hamlet but grew into a major tourist destination in Victorian times, with nearby Matlock Bath becoming famous for its hydrotherapy treatments, supplied from natural springs. Famous visitors included a future Queen Victorian and Lord Byron, with the poet dubbing the area ‘Little Switzerland’ because of surrounding limestone hills. 

One of the highlights of the week takes place on April 16th, when Severn Trent River Rangers will host a guided walk along the River Derwent in Matlock Bath. A limited number of tickets are available for the free event, which starts at the Grand Pavillion and will run from 1pm to 2.45pm.

As well as enjoying the stunning waterway, locals will hear how the company is helping to improve river health in Derbyshire and across the region by investing £2bn, including to reduce spills.  

Matlock Week:

• Monday 13^th April, 1.30pm to 5.30pm: Community drop-in and Matlock heritage photo display at Derwent Room, Imperial Rooms.
• Tuesday 14^th April, 10am to 1pm: Community drop-in and heritage photo display at Riber Room, Imperial Rooms; Customer pop-up at Sainsbury’s from 2pm to 6pm.
• Wednesday 15^th April, 9am to 3pm: Customer pop-up at Matlock Market, plus councillor session at Riber Room from 5pm to 7pm.
• Thursday 16^th April, River Rangers Walk at Matlock Bath from 1pm to 2.45pm; And from 4pm to 6.30pm, local business engagement at Riber Room.
• Friday, 17^th April, 9am to 12pm: Local business engagement at Riber Room.