A LANDMARK feat of engineering fully restored for future generations to enjoy has met its 170th anniversary supported by four decades of dedicated volunteer work.
The Victorian Tees Cottage Pumping Station, in Darlington, began supplying clean drinking water to the town in 1849 to ensure residents did not have to rely on wells, hand pumps and rainwater tubs for water.
The Scheduled Ancient Monument has suffered structural problems, asbestos contamination and break-ins over the years, however an initiative to restore the site to its former glory has been successful, with Northumbrian Water now the proud owners of the site.
To mark the site's 170 years in Darlington, Northumbrian Water's chief executive, Heidi Mottram, volunteers and the River Tees Rediscovered, who work together in partnership to help preserve the station enjoyed a Victorian tea part and exclusive tour of the site.
The event also saw the new interpretation signage unveiled by Des Kennedy at Infinite Design Consultants.
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