By John Connell

Last updated at 13:01, Wednesday, 01 August 2012

Relief is in sight for flood-hit villagers living near Maryport.

A £1.6 million scheme to boost the capacity of Dearham’s sewer network so that it can cope with more rain is due to start at the end of September.

The scheme will involve United Utilities engineers building a 1,181ft long concrete storage tank underneath parts of Central Road and Craika Road.

Project coordinator Caroline Brumwell said: “When it rains heavily, Dearham has sometimes suffered from sewer flooding and for some people it has even affected their homes.

“It’s pretty horrible and we want to do something about it. That’s why this work will be so important.”

Road closures will affect parts of Central Road and then Craika Road.

Temporary traffic lights will also be placed on the A594 Maryport Road.

Diversions will be in place and bus firms have been informed.

Ms Brumwell said: “Sadly, there is no way of doing the work without some disruption.

“We will need to close the road step by step as we move along it installing the tank underneath.

“We’re really sorry about that, but it’s for everyone’s safety.

“We’ll do everything in our power to do the work quickly and cause the minimum amount of nuisance, like maintaining as much access as we possibly can.”

Villagers can find out more about the scheme and meet key project staff on Monday next week when the United Utilities’ mobile visitor centre will be parked on Central Road between 12.30pm and 5.30pm.

The tanks will help alleviate flooding by storing storm water until rains subside, and then releasing it in a controlled way back into the sewer system where it is taken away for treatment.

The work is due to start at the end of September and is due to finish in March of next year.

A spokesman from United Utilities said that the works were not a knee jerk reaction to recent flooding in the village. Three cars were stranded last week after flooding on Toll Bridge Road near the Old Mill Inn.

First published at 11:29, Wednesday, 01 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk