Work Starts on Sewer Upgrade to Reduce Threat of Flooding

By Mark Tallentire

A [pounds]330,000 PROJECT to upgrade sewers in Great Lumley will begin today – with disruptions possible for up to three months.Northumbrian Water staff will be improving two combined sewer overflows, work which the company says will benefit the Brough’s Gill stream and the nearby River Wear.Traffic management measures and restrictions will be in place in Runnymede, a main thoroughfare of the village, from next Monday, lasting for up to seven weeks.It is thought it will be necessary to close small sections of Runnymede. The section closed will move along the street as the work progresses.There will also be disruptions to Sandbach, from Monday, February 11, lasting for up to eight weeks.The work involves upgrading 120 metres of underground sewer pipe in Sherborne, and 140m in Sandbach.Cara Hall, spokeswoman for Northumbrian Water, said: “Combined sewer overflows are designed by the Environment Agency to discharge diluted waste water into water courses at times of heavy rainfall, to protect properties and their surroundings from flooding.”We are going to do everything we can to minimise the disruption, working closely with Durham County Council to co- ordinate the work on the public highway.”Ms Hall said any residents who have special requirements for access can call Northumbrian Water on 0845-717-1100.”We will do what we can to maintain access to properties for residents, but it may be there will be restrictions to access to some houses, ” she said.”But if people have special requirements, customers should ring us with any concerns.”Ms Hall asked residents of Great Lumley to be on their guard against bogus callers, who may use the work period to pose as staff of Northumbrian Water or its contractors.”If anybody in the area has concerns about any activities, they can call us, ” she said.Residents of the areas affected will receive in the next few days, letters from Northumbrian Water outlining the work taking place and the traffic management.

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