Why Anglian Water is under fire after Grimsby’s third flood in a year — And how its new graduate scheme could shape the future

Frustration is rising in Grimsby after residents experienced their third flood in just over a year, prompting renewed calls for Anglian Water to implement a lasting solution.

The most recent incident occurred on October 28, when a burst water main inundated the Freeman Street area once again, leaving homes and businesses counting the cost of damage and disruption. The area had previously flooded in May and October of last year, each time causing significant losses for market traders and local businesses.

Concerned about the repeated failures, three councillors from North East Lincolnshire Council — Nicola Aisthorpe, Steve Beasant, and Loyd Emmerson — have written a joint letter to Anglian Water, demanding a full-scale review of the aging underground water network across East Marsh.

“This isn’t just about Freeman Street — the network is collapsing piece by piece,” said Councillor Beasant, reflecting the growing sentiment among residents.

A Network in Crisis

The councillors highlighted multiple problem spots, including Columbia Road, Hildyard Street, and Roberts Street, where frequent leaks have caused flooding, road damage, and repeated excavation.

In their letter, they called for:

• A borough-wide review of East Marsh’s water infrastructure

  
  
  

• An investment plan to replace the oldest sections of pipework

• Transparent public updates on leaks, repair timelines, and infrastructure upgrades

Councillor Aisthorpe expressed frustration that “streets are left flooded and roads repeatedly dug up,” while Emmerson insisted Anglian Water must “come to the table with a proper long-term plan.”

Anglian Water Responds

A spokesperson for Anglian Water confirmed that the latest incident was caused by a burst main on a different pipe from previous failures. The company said it is “actively investigating long-term solutions to prevent future issues,” and discussions with the council are underway.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the council’s letter has triggered three separate legal notices for urgent repairs in East Marsh, compelling the water company to take immediate remedial action.

Meanwhile, Anglian Water Expands Its Graduate Programme

While dealing with its infrastructure challenges, Anglian Water has also announced a record recruitment drive for its 2026 graduate programme within the @one Alliance, which supports the company’s £3 billion AMP8 investment programme.

The initiative will hire 31 graduates for a two-year rotational training scheme starting September 2026, offering roles in:

• Engineering (20 roles) – both site-based and office positions

• Project Management (5 roles)

  
  
  

• Commercial, Quantity Surveying, and Procurement (5 roles)

• Carbon Management (1 role)

• Digital Analytics (1 role)

The @one Alliance brings together major industry partners, including Balfour Beatty, Barhale, Binnies, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), MWH Treatment, Skanska, and Sweco, giving participants access to world-class mentorship and projects across the Anglian Water region.

Graduates will work on critical projects across Water, Water Recycling, and Place-Based Thinking, gaining practical experience while pursuing professional accreditations.

Voices from the Programme

Former graduate Sophie Read, now a project manager with Skanska, said, “From day one, I worked on projects that truly make a difference. The trust and responsibility given early on helped me grow fast.”

Similarly, Sandeep, a Graduate Project Manager with MMB, praised the flexibility of the programme: “We can choose training that aligns with our career goals. The early careers team is always there to support us.”

As Anglian Water faces mounting pressure to restore community trust through better infrastructure management, its expanded graduate programme could mark the beginning of a new era — one focused on innovation, sustainability, and accountability.

FAQs

1. Why does Grimsby keep flooding?
Repeated leaks and bursts in aging underground pipes have caused multiple floods in the East Marsh area.

2. What is Anglian Water doing about the floods?
The company says it’s investigating long-term infrastructure solutions and coordinating with local authorities on repairs.

3. What is the @one Alliance Graduate Programme?
It’s a two-year training scheme offering roles in engineering, management, and sustainability, in partnership with top UK construction and water firms.

4. When does the new graduate programme start?
The next cohort begins in September 2026.

5. How can graduates apply?
Applications are open on Anglian Water’s official careers page and through its @one Alliance partners.