20 October 2008
A £7 million investment programme from United Utilities will deliver major improvements to an old cast-iron water pipe in Knowsley and Liverpool.
The company is preparing to renew a 4.4km section of a 44" pipe which runs from Liverpool Road, Prescot - close to the junction with the M57 - and onto Dovecot Parade in Liverpool.
The pipe has burst twice in recent times - towards the end of last year and earlier this year - and caused flooding to customers living in Huyton.
The work therefore is essential in reducing the risk of a future burst.
The work will also bring further improvements including enhancing the overall reliability of the water mains network and ensuring the security of supplies across the Knowsley area.
Investigations and planning have been ongoing since April and the work is set to get under way at the end of October.
The scheme is expected to be completed by July / August next year.
Gary Dixon, United Utilities' Water Operations Director, said: "We saw first-hand the difficulties faced by families who were flooded last year.
"We were very sorry to see that happen and are now determined to deliver these improvements.
"We want to reassure customers that this multi-million-pound investment is essential in reducing this risk.
"We will be working closely with Knowsley Council and Liverpool City Council to keep disruption levels to a minimum and we will endeavour to complete the project as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"We will also communicate directly and regularly with customers and businesses affected by the work to keep them updated of our progress."
This work is part of United Utilities' £2.9 billion water quality and environmental improvement programme from 2005-2010.