A £250,000 scheme will hopefully save Codicote residents from the stench of overflowing sewage that has been going on for years.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Thames Water field operative Nigel Fuller, councillor Ian Moody, Thames Water’s Huw Thomas, Stephen McPartland MP. Picture: Supplied.Thames Water field operative Nigel Fuller, councillor Ian Moody, Thames Water’s Huw Thomas, Stephen McPartland MP. Picture: Supplied. (Image: Archant)

Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland officially opened the scheme by Thames Water after the company built a pumping station which will cut down on permitted sewage overflows during periods of heavy rain.

While the main concern from residents had been about the smell, Thames Water engineers devised an innovative solution which has far wider-reaching environmental benefits.

Mr McPartland said: “I am delighted Thames Water has completed the works to deal with the unpleasant odours once and for all.

“It certainly will make a huge difference to Codicote residents.”

The new pump can now detect when the volume of sewage is high and will feed it into pipes, which now have increased capacity, rather than emptying it onto nearby land.