Children from Melbourne infant and junior schools have visited Severn Trent’s flood alleviation project in Melbourne, Derbyshire. 

The pupils got the chance to see the tunnel boring machine provided by scheme partners, Active Tunnelling that will be used to dig underground to allow approximately 50 metres of new sewer pipe to be laid while minimising disturbance to residents. 

At the end of the summer term, the youngsters were invited to submit artwork with an ‘under the sea theme’ to be displayed on the machine, including a colourful haul of fish, mermaids and creatures from the deep.  

Christina Massey, Community Communications Officer at Severn Trent, said: “The children enjoyed searching for their pictures on the machine, which was named ‘Dory’, and asked an impressive range of questions about the engineering project – one little boy even offered to work for us!”

The £18.3 million project will see Severn Trent upgrade 1.1km of the sewer network, with 500m of new surface water sewers and additional underground storage added to reduce flood risk for residents.

Christina continued: “This is a great project that will ensure the network around Melbourne is able to meet the demands of climate change and a growing population and help to safeguard our customers from flooding issues." 

The project is currently in its early stages, with completion expected in 2026. 

Picture caption: Children from Melbourne Infant School see their artwork displayed on a tunnel boring machine: L-R Phoebe, Oliver, Jude, Louie, Maisie, Eliza, Charlotte, Emmy, Skye, Marley, William, Alfie.