Sewer work to reduce flood risk

Work on a £800,000 scheme to reduce the risk of flooding to homes on Wearside is set to begin next week.

About 2,460ft (750m) of pipes and two combined sewer overflows are to be upgraded in Leamside, Houghton-Le-Spring, from Monday.

Northumbrian Water said the area's sewage network had struggled to cope in times of extremely heavy rainfall.

This had led to homeowners experiencing flooding at eight properties in Pithouse Lane.

Phillip Hicks, Northumbrian Water's project manager, said: "This is one of dozens of improvement schemes we will be carrying out throughout the region over the next couple of years to upgrade our vast sewerage network.

"By upgrading and screening the combined sewer overflows we will also improve water quality in the river Wear."