THOUSANDS of pounds will be invested to lay hundreds of metres of new water pipes to improve and protect supply.

Severn Trent Water is pumping £180,000 into the work in Worcester Road and St Peter's Drive, Worcester, to replace old piping and the project, which is already underway, is expected to be finished in April.

Jonathan Tait, from Severn Trent, said: “A lot of the water pipes in the area have been serving the community for many years. This means they’ve become old and prone to bursting, which can interrupt our customers’ water supply.

"In total we’re laying 400 metres of new water pipes, to replace the old ones. That’s about the length of four football pitches.

“The first part of the work has just started on Worcester Road and then will move onto St Peter’s Drive. The water supply shouldn't be interrupted, but if it is, customers will be given plenty of notice, so that they can plan ahead."

Mr Tait added: “Temporary traffic lights will be put on these roads while we carry out the work, including at the roundabout between the two.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the community, but our priority is to give the best service we can to our customers. The work will only be for a short time, but the benefits should be felt for years to come.”

For more information, go to stwater.co.uk/households.