The engine was started on 25th November 1914 but trouble
with the pumps delayed the plant being put to work until 18th January 1915,
regularly pumping almost four million gallons per day to waist via the overflow
drain to the Meece Brook, to keep the water level down in the boreholes under
construction. But this duty was short lived as trouble was experienced with sand
in the boiler system valves in February 1915 and with the temporary borehole
pump in March and in April 1915 sinking was suspended for the duration of the
war. The two cottages adjacent to the pumping station were completed about this
time. The cottages were erected on land adjacent to the second purchase which
was the subject of a third conveyance.
Interim payments were made to Ashton Frost up to October
1915 when almost £12,000 had been paid. The contractor then claimed a total
valuation of more than £13,000 against the Company’s valuation of £11,642. With
Ashton Frost being under Government control little discussion took place until
January 1917 when the amount claimed was reduced to £12,710, but the Company
would only offer to bring the payment up to£12,000. The contractors next offer
was to take £12,500 provided that all contact with the Company was severed and
that "the directors would rather take nothing than accept the Company’s
£12,000". The Company offer was eventually accepted as Ashton Frost carried out
remedial work on the plant in 1920.
The permanent pumps were fitted in 1919 and the station
then pumped into the supply for the first time.
Second Phase Construction
With delays caused by the first world war and less than
six years after the completion of the first phase work the now Staffordshire
Potteries Water Board invited tenders for the second engine and pumps, a third
boiler and the sinking of additional boreholes each to be 500 feet deep measured
from the bottom of the two 80 feet deep wells, and to comprise 200 feet of 36
inch diameter and 300 feet of 21 inch diameter drillings.