Drivers warned of delays as £1m pipe repairs project under way for Stourbridge
A £1 million scheme to repair and replace ageing water pipes in a village near Stourbridge is under way as officials aim to stem problem leaks.
Motorists and residents are being advised of potential disruption by utilities company Severn Trent Water as the project gets under way around Belbroughton
The company is spending the seven figure sum after claiming that they had been experiencing more problems recently with bursts and disruption to supplies.
Initial work has been completed in Hartle Lane and Woodgate Way but engineers move back into Hartle Lane to continue laying the water pipe to the junction with Galtons Lane.
Work will more to Kings Meadow and Church Avenue in December under the schedule outlined by Severn Trent.
In the new year, engineers will focus on pipe repairs and replacement works in Bromsgrove Road, Summerfield Road, The Glebe, Hartle Lane between junctions with Woodhouse Orchard and High Street, Woodhouse Orchard and Stourbridge Road.
The work will be carried out by contractors from Amey and will run until May 2015.?
Severn Trent Water programme manager, Jonathan Tait, said: "The water pipes in and around Belbroughton have been serving the community for many years, but recently we've experienced more problems with bursts and leaks.
"We want to prevent this and make sure our customers continue to receive a great service from us now and in the future. That's why we're investing so heavily in Belbroughton and throughout Worcestershire as a whole.
"I appreciate that the work may cause some disruption and I'm really sorry about this. I can assure our customers that we'll keep them updated throughout and as the work progresses in to other areas."
It comes as residents in the village were invited to attend consultation events showcasing proposals for a new nearby pipework project to safeguard supplies into Birmingham.
Severn Trent Water held exhibitions talking about a new abstraction site on the River Severn near Stourport with a pipeline linking it with the Frankley Water Treatment Works.
Further consultations are planned next summer with preferred proposals drawn up at a later date.
Water supplies for parts of Birmingham and surrounding areas comes via the Elan Valley Aqueduct, which runs from Wales to Frankley.
But officials say the system will require maintenance.
