26 November 2007
The first phase of a £10 million scheme to improve water pressure in Cheshire is now under way thanks to United Utilities.
The company is investing in 15km of new pipeline across the heart of the Cheshire countryside which will tackle low water pressure problems for customers in Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich and Sandbach.
Extensive housing development in rural areas over the last 20 years has placed demands on the water network, which at peak times when customers use a lot of water simultaneously has led to temporary dips in pressure.
Engineers are currently working on the first phase of the scheme, which involves putting in a new water pipe from Nanney's Bridge near Worleston to Minshull Vernon.
This phase is expected to be completed in early 2008.
Ian Grzelak, United Utilities' Project Manager, said: "We are pleased that the first phase of the scheme is now under way and progressing well as we work towards improving the overall pressure and future reliability of water supplies to Cheshire."
As part of the planning for the new pipeline, engineers have been working closely alongside archaeologists, ecologists and environmentalists to ensure disruption is minimised in the local area.
An area of ancient woodland has been avoided and special steps have also been taken to protect wildlife.
The Great Crested Newt has been found along the entire route of the proposed new main.
Ian said: "These newts are protected under European law and we have to apply for a licence to be able to work near them.
"We then have to take steps to ensure we don't harm them, which we can only do once they start to come out of hibernation in early Spring."
The second phase of the scheme will involve replacing an existing water pipe from Nanney's Bridge to Eaton.
Ian said: "We need to replace this pipe as it has now reached the end of its life.
"We will begin work on-site during March 2008 and we should be finished by December 2008.
"Upon completion of this phase, our customers can look forward to the benefits of improved water pressure."
The work forms part of United Utilities £2.9 billion water and environmental improvement programme between 2005 and 2010 - funded with money from customers' water bills.