United Utilities has appointed a new County Business Lead to oversee its wastewater operations in Cheshire.

Maria Fletcher, a leader with over 24 years’ experience, will manage a team of more than 170 operational and support staff across the county.

In her role, she will also drive forward an ambitious investment plan for Cheshire over the next four years. The company has already invested £20 million in upgrading the wastewater treatment works at Congleton and is now underway with a £48 million scheme to upgrade the sewer network in Knutsford, improving water quality in local watercourses. It is also working with key partners to identify renewable energy opportunities at Ellesmere Port.

Maria Fletcher joined United Utilities last year, where she led a team within the Environmental Services department responsible for implementing key regulatory changes. Prior to this, she spent 23 years with BT Openreach, leading a large operational team to deliver the UK’s digital fibre upgrade, cementing her passion for large-scale transformation projects.

Commenting on her new role, said:

“I’m proud to lead a brilliant wastewater team in Cheshire to deliver improvements to our network. We are working at pace to deliver several schemes that will help protect the environment by improving water quality and delivering visible improvements for our customers.

“I feel genuinely privileged to help shape the future of wastewater operations across Cheshire as we work towards our shared vision of creating a stronger, greener and healthier North West.”

The appointment comes as United Utilities continues to progress the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the North West for a century. The company is spending more than £13 billion to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters.

while safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.