Work on new £300m Cumbrian water pipeline set to begin

The ambitious scheme, which will involve laying more than 60 miles of pipes to supply water to homes and businesses from Thirlmere Reservoir, will create up to 400 jobs.

Water company United Utilities are planning a series of exhibitions in a bid to give the public more details on the schedule of work.

There will also be an opportunity to find out about some proposed changes to the route - including moving a planned section of pipeline in Brigham from the roads into the fields, and a new proposed section of tunnel in Castlerigg, Keswick. These changes will be subject to a further planning application.

This spring will see workers carry out preparatory work for a new water treatment works off the A595 at Williamsgate, and laying the first length of pipeline from Williamsgate to Quarry Hill water treatment works.

Further work in the summer will include laying pipeline from Williamsgate to the River Derwent, and a section of pipeline running from Bassenthwaite down to the A66 at Keswick.

A new interactive visitors' centre featuring display boards, interactive games and video displays bringing the project to life, will also be open to the public from March 9, and will be located on Lake Road in Keswick.

John Hilton, project director for United Utilities, said: "We hope many local people will come along to learn more about the schedule of work for this historic project, which will create a secure, long-term water supply for west Cumbria."

Water bosses say much of the pipeline's route will be in agricultural land, away from roads. "Nevertheless, this is a major engineering scheme, and we are sure many people will be interested to find out more about where, when and how we will be delivering the work," added Mr Hilton.

The scheme received planning permission in November 2016.

For more details on the exhibitions, which will be held in Workington, Cockermouth, Wigton, Keswick and Setmurthy, near Bassenthwaite Lake, visit cumbria.unitedutilities.com