United Utilities engineers will be carrying out exploratory work in Lancaster city centre from next week as part of a major scheme to clean up the River Lune.

The company is increasing the size of the local sewer network, to protect the river from sewer spillages. The £9 million project will protect local wildlife, and ensure cleaner bathing waters at nearby Heysham and Morecambe.

The scheme has already been underway for six months in the north of Lancaster.

From next week, engineers will be digging trial holes in the city centre, to prepare for future work. The water company plans to construct two large new underground stormwater tanks in the city centre in 2013/14, and needs to test ground conditions to ensure the work can be carried out safely.