Water supplies in Whitby will be secured for future generations when Yorkshire Water starts work this week on a large new service reservoir.

The water company is replacing an underground service reservoir near to Sneaton Castle, with a larger one that will cope with predicted population growth, one of dozens it currently operates across the region.

Many have been in operation between 25 and 100 years and whilst they are regularly maintained, this investment will enable Yorkshire Water to also improve the quality of water Whitby customers' receive.

Three service reservoirs are located at the Castle Road site - the one that will be replaced is over one hundred years old and was built in 1910.

Engineering specialists Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) have been engaged to carry out the project - the first job will involve demolishing the existing reservoir to make space for the new one.

When complete in summer 2018 the reservoir will store 6 million litres of quality treated water.

Project Manager, Dave Ellis, said:

“We’re committed to providing our customers with some of the best drinking water in the world. This investment should ensure that our customers in Whitby continue to receive a secure supply and excellent water quality for another 80 years.”