TIME is running out for Rostherne residents as United Utilities prepare to begin work on a 5.5km wastepipe passing through protected land.

Concerns have been raised to the water company about the planned route for the pipeline, replacing the current provision between Mere Platts pumping station and Bowden Waste Water Treatment Works as part of a £6 billion regional upgrade.

The project, which will pass through Rostherne Mere Nature Reserve, has been hotly contested by residents, farmers and landowner Tatton Estate, which has presented the company with a shorter alternative to bypass the land, some of which is an SSSI site (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a RAMSAR site of international importance.

Work was due to begin in September, but has reportedly been delayed until late October.

“Willing to show a bit more flexibility would be a good start,” said Craig Dixon-Goode, director at Tatton Estate Utilities.

“You can’t claim to value the estate and want to develop a good relationship and then say this is the route we have picked and we aren’t going to change it.

“They are oblivious to the environmental sensitivities.”

One of the concerns of the works, is that it will impact on features in the village and on residents trying to get in and out of their homes.

“One of the dangers of going along the same route as the existing pipe is that there could be damage to the graveyard in front of the church, and potentially the church itself,” said Cllr Steve Torkington of Rostherne Parish Council. “Also there are residents who live above the area where the pipeline would have to be dug.”

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “There will be a massive amount of disruption to the residents. We feel like we are being bullied by a large organisation which thinks it can do what it likes.”

A spokesman for United Utilities said: “We are surprised to learn that residents feel they are being ‘ignored’ or ‘bullied’. When we held a public exhibition in Rostherne in August to explain the project, approximately 12 people attended and none had any concerns about the proposals.

“The route of the pipeline has been carefully chosen after detailed site surveys and 24 months of consultation with the stakeholders. We have had to take into account a number of environmental and physical constraints.

“The alternative route as proposed by Tatton Estate runs to the west of Rostherne Mere and has the potential to have a greater impact on the environment.”

United Utilities has been advised that an Environmental Impact Assessment will need to be undertaken and the case is currently with the Department for Communities and Local Government for a final decision.

A Natural England spokesperson said: “The purpose of the United Utilities pipeline is to improve the water quality of Rostherne Mere SSSI, and there is ongoing discussion between United Utilities and Natural England regarding the most appropriate way for United Utilities to realise the benefits of the pipeline.”