Residents in Peregrine Close, Swindon, are set to benefit from a large sewer relief scheme, which will help protect their homes from flooding in severe weather.

Work on the  £1.8 million scheme, which will reduce the risk of sewer flooding  at 12 properties, will start this week and will involve the construction  of a small pumping station and storage tank to deal with high flows resulting from heavy rainfall.

Peter Taylor, Project Manager for Thames Water, said:
"Sewer flooding is an unpleasant and distressing experience. This essential scheme will give our customers  in Peregrine Close peace of mind during heavy rainfall, by reducing the risk of sewer surcharges in the future.

"As a result of climate change, population growth and development, some storms are so great that they will overwhelm the network.

"We  are  committed  to continuing to reduce the risk of sewer flooding and are investing £320 million on sewer flooding alleviation schemes to help protect 10,000 properties by the end of 2010."

Glyn Harris, Clerk for Covingham Parish Council, said:

"The Parish Council were concerned at the extent of the flooding in the parish during June last year. The council has sought solutions from the various agencies to resolve the causes of this.

"They are thus pleased, as are the residents of Peregrine Close, that work has now commenced  on  a  scheme to help alleviate some of the perils of flooding in the Close.

"The  need  for this work was emphasised during a further heavy rainfall in July this year when the foul  water drains were again swamped causing pollution."