Pipeline progress

24/05/2007

A North East MP has visited a construction site in Newcastle upon Tyne to find out how flood alleviation work is progressing.

Doug Henderson, Newcastle North MP, has been updated by Northumbrian Water on work to reduce the risk of flooding in the Fawdon area.

The ten-month scheme will help to prevent flooding, in times of heavy rainfall, to some properties and land in Acomb Crescent, Boulmer Close, Fawdon Lane, Hauxley Drive, Linhope Avenue, Meldon Avenue, Ross Way, Ridley Close, St Clements Court, Belsay Gardens and surrounding areas.

The work, which involves installing 2.5km of new sewer pipes and the construction of a new combined sewer overflow designed and consented to discharge into the Ouseburn in times of heavy rainfall, will be fully complete in August this year.

Northumbrian Water representatives were able to explain to Doug Henderson MP the work involved in upgrading the sewerage network and he was able to see, at first hand, routes of new sewer pipe, the combined sewer overflow under construction and technology which avoids the need to dig long open trenches to install new sewer pipes.

Doug Henderson MP said:  “It was vitally important that steps were taken to try to stop any future flooding.  We can all see the effects of climate change for ourselves and I hope that the measures that have been taken help to protect us in the future from any flash flooding.”

Ian Donald, Northumbrian Water’s Customer Director who accompanied Mr Henderson on the site visit, said:  “We have worked closely with the residents of Red House Farm, Doug Henderson MP and Newcastle City Council while planning and carrying out this work.  We believe it is important for agencies to work closely together to resolve what can sometimes be complex issues.  This was a good opportunity for Mr Henderson to see exactly what is involved in this work

“We appreciate that flooding can cause distress to those customers affected.  The flood alleviation scheme at Red House Farm, which is part of our on-going investment programme to upgrade parts of our 17,000km sewerage network, is on-schedule and progressing well.”

For further information contact Linda Temperley in Doug Henderson’s office, on 0191 286 2024 or Cara Hall, Northumbrian Water, on 0191 301 6720.