Flowing improvement

07/08/2006

Essential improvement work will benefit thousands of people in a Northumberland coastal village.

Northumbrian Water is to renew 15 kilometres of water pipes, which supplies 3,500 properties in Amble, Alnwick, at a cost of £650,000.

The improvement work, which will begin on Monday August 21 and last up to five months, will improve water quality and safeguard water supplies for future generations.

Customers are invited to find out more about the work and raise any questions or concerns at a drop-in customer information session on Thursday August 17, 2006 at Dovecote Centre, Dovecote Road, Amble, from 2.00pm to 8.00pm.

Ken Rutledge, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “The work taking place in Amble is essential improvement work and technology will be used, where possible, which avoids digging open trenches.  Plastic pipe will replace the existing cast iron main, which is more durable with a longer life expectancy – a new pipe has a life expectancy of 100 years, and an existing relined pipe has a 70 year life expectancy.

“We intend to avoid work in the centre of Amble, and on the tourist coastal route during the summer period.

“This improvement work will not only benefit the 3,500 properties in Amble but also the thousands of visitors visiting Amble every year.”

Customers affected will have received further information and advice in writing.  If customers, especially those with special needs, have any queries or concerns they should ring the Northumbrian Water customer centre on 0845 717 1100.

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.

For further peace of mind customers can also register a password – if anyone from the water company needs to access a registered customer’s home they will know the password.  They should either ring the customer centre or log onto www.nwl.co.uk to register.

For further information please contact Joanne Dye on 0191 301 6733.