Flood prevention scheme complete

27/07/2005

A scheme to help prevent homes flooding in a North East seaside town is now complete.

Northumbrian Water has invested £2 million upgrading and increasing the capacity of the sewerage network serving the Fens area, Hartlepool.

The scheme, which began in March and will help prevent flooding to 25 homes during periods of heavy rainfall in Honiton Way, Mardale Avenue, Paignton Drive, Salcolme Drive, Berkeley Avenue, Paignton Drive, Truro Drive, Dawlish Drive and Torquay Avenue, included constructing one kilometre of new sewer and doubling the size of 500 metres of sewer.

Managing Director for Northumbrian Water, John Cuthbert, said:  “Flooding is an extremely unpleasant experience for anyone and I am very pleased that the scheme in Honiton Way is now complete.  This will have a hugely positive impact on the people who live in the Fens area of Hartlepool.

“We have recently announced our programme of work for the next five years.  We consulted with customers to find out what work they wanted us to do as a priority and amongst their choices is work to combat sewer flooding.  We will be investing a further £380 million upgrading sewage treatment works and the sewerage network within our supply area from Berwick down to North Yorkshire and across to the Pennines.”

Hartlepool’s Mayor, Stuart Drummond who has campaigned for the scheme to be done in Honiton Way, said:  “I am delighted that this work has been completed on schedule and am very grateful to Northumbrian Water for delivering this scheme which will make a huge difference to residents’ lives in the Fens area.”

Barbara Leech, WaterVoice’s Regional Manager, welcomed the completion of the scheme:  “I welcome Northumbrian Water’s co-operation in the early completion of this scheme to avoid the impact of this year’s storms on the lives of the local residents. 

“We have pressed for Northumbrian Water to have the resources to complete schemes such as this throughout the region over the next five years and look forward to many more similar occasions.”

For further information contact Cara Hall, Northumbrian Water, 0191 301 6720.