05/02/2008

North Tyneside residents are being invited to find out more about essential improvement work.

Northumbrian Water is to renew nine kilometres of water main, which serves 5000 properties in Whitley Bay town centre.

The £320,000 improvement scheme, which will begin on Monday, February 25 2008 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 improvement work and raise any questions or concerns at a drop-in customer information session which is to be held on Thursday, February 21 2008 at Marine Park First School, Park Road, Whitley Bay, from 2.00pm to 8.00pm.

Ken Rutledge, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said: “The work taking place in Whitley Bay town centre is essential as the pipes in this area are up to 70 years old and not as reliable as they were. Plastic pipe will replace the existing cast iron pipe, which is more durable with a longer life expectancy.

“I encourage people to attend our customer information session where our team of experts will be on hand to give further information and advice.”

Customers who have any special needs or queries relating to this improvement work should contact Northumbrian Water 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 on 0845 717 1100.

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.

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For further information please contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.