12/05/2008

Work to reduce the risk of property flooding is to begin in a Tynedale market town today.

Northumbrian Water is investing £330,000 to upgrade 200 metres of sewer pipe in Haltwhistle.  

In times of extremely heavy rainfall the sewerage network has struggled to cope with the volume of water and this has resulted in flooding to three properties in Greenholme Road.

The improvement programme, which will take up to four months to complete, is part of Northumbrian Water’s £400 million programme (between 2005 – 2010) to upgrade its vast 16,000 km sewerage network serving the North East.

Danny Coyne, Northumbrian Water’s project manager, said:  “Reducing the risk of property flooding is one of Northumbrian Water’s priorities and we do appreciate that flooding causes customers distress.

“We are working closely with Northumberland County Council to carefully plan required traffic management and diversions.  Everything will be done to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.”

During the course of the work it will be necessary to have temporary traffic management in place.  A rolling road closure will be in place on Greenholme Road.  Access to all properties and pedestrian access will be maintained, however, parking may be restricted.

Customers who require further information or who have special needs should ring Northumbrian Water’s customer centre on 0845 717 1100.

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 Haltwhistle.  Access may be required to manholes located on private land.

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.

ends

For further information contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.