Business chiefs back Thames super-sewer

London's biggest businesses today gave their backing to Thames Water's plans for a £3.6 billion super-sewer.

Many residents have been outraged by the project, which will turn parts of the capital into construction sites for at least seven years.

The 20-mile Thames Tunnel would run from Acton to Newham, broadly following the route of the river, collecting sewage discharge triggered by rainfall. It is believed to be the biggest construction project ever undertaken in the capital.

Today, business leaders argued that, despite the disruption, the project would bring "huge benefits".

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: "It is simply unacceptable that we still discharge 39 million tonnes of sewage into the Thames every year. It is high time we sorted out this problem, and building the Thames Tunnel to stop our river being used as a sewer at times of heavy rainfall is the solution."

The capital's rowers also welcomed the plan to clean up the Thames.