Northumbrian Water is starting work next week on its £1.6 million scheme to reduce the risk of flooding to 20 homes in Jarrow.

The water company will lay 400 metres of new sewer pipe and construct a new storm water storage tank. A 685 square-metre clay-lined basin will hold rainfall in extreme weather conditions. Once the rainfall subsides, the water will drain back into Northumbrian Water’s sewer network. The inlet and outlet pipes connected to the basin will be screened to prevent debris from entering sewers.

Part of the solution to reduce flooding in the area will also involve working in partnership with South Tyneside Council. One kilometre of new pipe, which carries only surface water, will also be constructed to drain 15 new surface water gullies to be installed by the council.

Chris Bond, Northumbrian Water’s project manager, said:

“Reducing the risk of flooding in an efficient and sustainable way, to ensure we are prepared for the future, is one of our top priorities. This scheme is testament to the importance of and our commitment to working in partnership with other agencies, including local authorities, to achieve this.

“Constructing the surface water basin demonstrates a creative and innovative approach to preventing surface water entering our sewer network, which is a crucial element in our efforts to tackling flooding.”

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Business and Area Management from South Tyneside Council, added:

“This is fantastic news for the residents who live in this area and further demonstrates the commitment of all agencies to help reduce flood risk for residents of South Tyneside who were affected by the flooding in 2012.

“Working together and in partnership is essential to reducing flood risk, and both South Tyneside Council and Northumbrian Water are showing how this should be done. “

The scheme, which is being carried out by Northumbrian Water’s contractor Esh Construction, will take up to seven months to complete.