WORK has started on renewing some of Lydbrook's ancient water mains, some of them around 140 years old.

Severn Trent contractors, Morgan Sindall, are helping carry out the work to replace nearly 1,300 metres of pipes which run along Hangerberry Hill/New Road and the A4136 towards Edge End.

Some are made from cast iron which makes them prone to leaks.

In order to complete the work quickly and safely, temporary traffic lights will need to be in place along the A4136 near Edge End and on Hangerberry Hill until December 12. 

Clive Ingram, project manager for Severn Trent, said: "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 bursts as and when they occur."

Anyone with questions can contact Severn Trent's customer service team on 0800 783 4444 for more information.