“Billie” the drill has started construction work in Hoyles Lane, Cottam.

The tunnelling machine operated as a part of the United Utilities Cottam project.

“Billie” was named after a curious pupil at Lea Endowed Primary School, located close to the construction site. The school is also where United Utilities has recently finished work.

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When coming to the school to talk about the improvements of the grounds, Lesley Miller, United Utilities’ Third-Party Co-ordinator, said: “Billie was so interested in what we were doing and asked so many questions we thought she would be the perfect person to name the tunnelling machine after.”

“Billie” is now digging a new 150-metre tunnel under Savick Brook to house a new sewer pipe that is “the size of 40 football pitches.”

The project began in February this year and is expected to be completed by July 2025.

The work being carried out is said to reduce future flooding and manage sewerage flows from new homes built.

Lesley Miller added: “During heavy rainfall, the existing sewer system reaches capacity, leading to internal and external flooding to around 14 properties located along Hoyle’s Lane.

Since carrying out this work in Cottam, United Utilities has also identified and fixed several leaks in the service pipe, improving water pressure for residents in the area.

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