MAY Hill has a problem with its old and leaky water mains – but a Severn-Trent contractor is starting on work to replace some of them.

Morgan Sindall will help carry out the work which will replace three kilometres of mains, with the work expected to continue to August.

The old mains are made from a material which is prone to leaks, says Severn-Trent spokesman and project manager Clive Ingram.

"Our aim is to ensure we continue to provide customers with a reliable supply of drinking water and keep leaks to a minimum.

"We have set ourselves tough targets for cutting leakage over the next few years because we know customers see leaks as a waste and want more to be done to prevent them. At the same time Severn-Trent customers will have the lowest average bills in England and Wales.

"Replacing older mains is a less disruptive and more cost effective way of making planned improvements to our network. Far better than reacting to problems as and when they occur."

A number of road closures and diversions are needed for the work to be completed. Glasshouse Hill and Avette to Yarleton Lane are now closed up to July 28, Folly Lane will be closed from Monday (April 23) to May 25, All Saints Road will be closed from May 21 to June 15 and Ganders Green will be closed from June 4-22.

Mr Ingram added: "We know that road closures can be disruptive and we have tried to keep these to a minimum. All businesses in the area are still open and we hope that residents appreciate that the work will be of benefit in the future."

Anyone who may have concerns about the work that needs to be done and how it might affect them can contact site agent Colin Paxton between 7:30am and 5:30pm on 07875 557755 for more information.