Flood works during school break

Engineers carrying out Carlisle's huge multi-million pound sewer improvement scheme will carry out work during the school holidays to minimise disruption.

The project is aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in the city by increasing the capacity of the sewer network to cope with heavy storms.

Carlisle was hit by devastating floods in 2005 in which three people died and hundreds of building were damaged.

The move will mean Victoria Place will close until the end of August.

Project liaison engineer Caroline Brumwell, of United Utilities, which is coordinating the project, said: "There is no easy way of laying pipes of this diameter under the road way.

"We just want to get this section of the job done and get Victoria Place back to normal. Once complete it will mean that the worst of the project is behind us.

"Access to businesses along Victoria Place is being maintained and United Utilities staff are keeping in touch with local traders."