Major work to reduce flood risk

21/10/2007

A major project to reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality for thousands of people in Northumberland gets under way on Monday.

Northumbrian Water is investing £1.5m to install 200m (about 220yd) of new sewer and to upgrade and relocate five combined sewer overflows in Morpeth.

The work will take up to five months and reduce the risk of flooding at two homes in the town.

It will also improve water quality at Cotting Burn and Church Burn.

Northumbrian Water said it hoped there would be minimal disruption to customers in the area.

Graeme Ridley, Northumbrian Water's project manager, said: "The five combined sewer overflows being upgraded will also have screens fitted.

"The pipe work will also be moved from busy public roads to locations which will be easier to access and, in turn, minimise disruption in the future."

BBC NEWS - Sunday 21 October 2007