Fury as water firm builds 'Soviet-style bunker' in village

RESIDENTS are furious after a huge indoor reservoir resembling a “Soviet nuclear bunker” was built in their village.

- By Adam Dutton

The 328ft by 246ft building is the same size as three football pitches and stands 30ft high.

It was built to hold 9.5million gallons of water — enough to supply 50,000 properties through 3.4 miles of underground pipes.

Residents in Springwell, Tyne and Wear, were shocked to discover the structure being erected a stone’s throw away from their homes.

Work started on the £26million Springwell Service Reservoir in June 2023 and was due to be completed this year — but delays have pushed that back to 2026.

Northumbrian Water originally said the roof would be covered in grass to blend in with the scenery.

But aerial pictures show the vast roof covered in 2,400 tons of grey gravel, leaving locals stunned.