Northumbrian Water is getting ready to start work next month on a near-£1 million project to upgrade the sewer network in Shotton Colliery, County Durham.

The water company is working with its partner Esh-Stantec to construct 500 metres of new sewer in the Throstles Nest area, which will help to protect the environment by reducing the risk of pollution.

When the new pipe is in place beneath the ground, running from Throstles Nest Pumping Station, next to Salters Lane, to a point west of the old railway line cycleway and footpath, an existing above-ground pipe will be removed.

The work is scheduled to start in late May and be completed by the end of 2023.

The team working on the £998,000 project will be operating from a site south and to the rear of Bruce Glasier Terrace, which will be established in the build up to work starting.

Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, Peter Greenan, said the £998,000 investment will ensure the network continues to serve the community effectively and protect the environment by reducing pollution risk.