£7.5 Million Investment at Neston Wastewater Treatment Works Following Dee Summit

Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North and Neston, has welcomed the announcement of a £7.5 million investment by Welsh Water in Neston Wastewater Treatment Works storm overflow.

The news was confirmed at the most recent Dee Summit, which took place at Chester Zoo earlier this month (15th August 2025). 

The Dee Summit, convened regularly by Samantha Dixon MP, brings together local residents, environmental groups, councillors, and stakeholders to push for stronger action on sewage dumping, improved water quality, and protection of the River Dee’s unique biodiversity.

Concerns about the frequency of storm overflow discharges at Neston were raised at the previous Summit, which was held in Neston in November. Following those discussions and concerns raised frequently by local councillors and other stakeholders, Welsh Water revised their investment plans and announced the £7.5 million scheme for Neston Wastewater Treatment Works. Between 2025–2030 Welsh Water have committed to investing £889m to improve storm overflows. 

Welcoming the news, Samantha Dixon MP said:

" I am pleased to see that, following one of our Dee Summit meetings, Welsh Water have revised their investment plan to include £7.5 million in Neston. This is very welcome news and a direct result of the collaborative work of the Summit. I’m grateful that Welsh Water continue to engage with the Dee Summits and provide us with regular updates on their work. I know how important the health of the River Dee and Dee Estuary are to local residents, and we have seen interest in this issue grow significantly in recent years. "

Emily Payne, Welsh Water’s River Quality Liaison Manager commented:

"The Summit of the Dee events have been crucial in understanding areas of concern and opportunities to work together to improve the health of the River Dee. We know just how important water quality is to our customers, as it is to us. Between 2025–2030 we will be investing £889m to improve storm overflows including a £7.5m scheme at Neston Wastewater Treatment Works storm overflow. This scheme is in the initial project stage (evaluating data, reviewing hydraulic model quality and preparing survey proposals) and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Summit attendees as the scheme progresses."

Cllr Keith Millar, ward councillor for Neston, added:

“As a local ward councillor for a number of years I have had concerns about the frequency of storm overflow discharges at Neston WWTW. I am grateful for the support of our MP Samantha Dixon, and the opportunity to share concerns at the Summit of the Dee. The announcement by Welsh Water of the significant investment in Neston is most welcome news for our community.”

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and councillor for Little Neston, said:

"This investment from Welsh Water in Neston's wastewater treatment works storm overflow is most welcome. Over recent years the increase in sewage overflows has been very concerning for residents. It's also good news to hear their commitment to continue working in partnership with the Dee Summit, set up by our MP Samantha Dixon."

Cllr Martin Barker, ward councillor for Parkgate said:

“I was delighted to hear the recent announcement from Welsh Water about the 7.5million pound investment in Neston’s Wastewater treatment storm overflow. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the water quality and the ecosystem in the area including the sensitive SSSI site on the marshes in Parkgate and Little Neston. 

“It’s great to see Welsh Water taking proactive steps to address the environmental concerns and improve the local infrastructure in our area, this development is sure to be welcomed by residents and wildlife alike. 

“I would also like to thank our MP Samantha Dixon for hosting one of the Dee summit events in Neston, this helped us raise awareness of the need for investment in the wastewater treatment infrastructure, which we believe contributed to Welsh Waters decision.”       

This investment marks a significant step forward in tackling pollution in the River Dee and demonstrates the positive impact of collaborative working between local communities, their representatives, and service providers.

Pictured - Dee Summit in August 2025.