21/01/2008

Essential improvement work in Northumberland will have a positive environmental impact and reduce the risk of flooding. 

Northumbrian Water is investing £1.3 million to upgrade and screen ten combined sewer overflows – eight in Corbridge and two in Stocksfield.

The essential work, which will improve water quality in watercourses including Stocksfield Burn and the River Tyne, will take up to four months to complete.

Combined sewer overflows are designed, and consented by the Environment Agency, to discharge diluted wastewater into watercourses in times of very heavy rainfall to protect properties and surrounding land from flooding. 

Brian Ford, Northumbrian Water’s project manager, said:  “During 2005 and 2010 we will invest £380 million upgrading our vast sewerage network across the region and this work is part of our on-going commitment to enhance and protect the environment and also reduce the risk of flooding.

“Northumbrian Water has made every effort, through careful planning and consultation with Northumberland County Council, to minimise any disruption and will continue to do so.  Customers with any concerns or special needs should contact us as soon as possible on 0845 717 1100.”

During the course of the work it will be necessary to have temporary traffic management in place, including road closures, traffic lights and restricted parking in some areas.  Streets which will be affected, at different stages during the improvement work, include Corbridge Bridge, Main Street, the junction of St Helen’s Lane and Aydon Road, St Helen’s Street, Front Street and Princes Street in Corbridge and the A695 near Merryshields Terrace in Stocksfield.

Customers in the affected areas will receive detailed information about the improvement work and the required traffic management.

It is very unlikely that anyone from the water company will need to gain access into customers’ homes while the work is being carried out in the Corbridge and Stocksfield area.  If customers are in any doubt of a caller claiming to be from the water company, they should not let them into their home.  They should ring the company’s customer centre to confirm the caller’s identity.

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For further information contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.