Historic upgrade

14/04/2005

Work to safeguard the water supply to more than 6000 domestic and commercial properties in a historic Tynedale town will begin this month.

Northumbrian Water is to renew 47km of water main at a cost of £3 million in Hexham and some surrounding areas.  This work, which will begin on 25 April and last up to eight months, will improve water quality, reduce leakage and safeguard the water supply for future generations.

Customers are invited to come and find out more about the work and raise any questions or concerns they may have at a customer information day to be held on Thursday 21 April 2005 at the Wentworth Leisure Centre, Station Road/Alnmouth Road, Hexham from 2.00pm to 7.00pm.

The water company will do all it can to minimise disruption while this work is carried out and is working closely with Northumberland County Council and Tynedale Council to carefully plan any traffic management required.  Work in the town centre will be avoided, wherever possible, during the busy summer and Christmas periods.

Alistair Baker, Northumbrian Water’s Communications and PR Manager, said:  “We appreciate that the residents of Hexham had to cope with the inconvenience of losing their water supply caused by horrendous weather conditions at the beginning of the year.  They showed extreme patience and support for which we are very grateful.

“This essential work to upgrade the water network, parts of which are 60 years old, will be carried out with great care due to the nature of the area we will be working in.  We will be working closely with archaeologists and wherever we work will be reinstated to its former condition, or better.  We will also avoid digging open-cut trenches wherever possible.”

Bogus callers are known to operate in Northumbrian Water’s supply area.  It is unlikely that anyone from the water company will need access into a customer’s property while this work is carried out.  If customers are in any doubt about the validity of a caller claiming to be from Northumbrian Water or the ‘water board’ they should ring the Northumbrian Water Customer Centre on 0845 717 1100.

Within the next few days, customers who are going to be affected by this work will receive further information and advice by letter.  If customers, especially those with special needs, have any queries or concerns relating to the work they should ring the Northumbrian Water Customer Centre.

For further information ring Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.