WORK has started on a £450,000 scheme to improve the quality of the River Avon in Evesham and a stream in Lenchwick.

The first phase of the scheme by Severn Trent Water has begun in Lenchwick and involves building a storage tank in Main Street to hold excess storm water in times of heavy rainfall. Work is expected to take 18 weeks to complete.

The sewer system in the village is designed to overflow into the nearby watercourse in storm conditions from the pumping station. The tank is being built on to the existing sewer system and will hold excess waste water for release back into the system in a controlled way, so reducing the number of times the overflow operates.

The second phase starts in Burford Road, Bengeworth, on Monday, July 5 and also involves the construction of a storage tank. A new manhole will also be provided in the road to connect the tank to the existing sewer through a new section of pipe. The sewer system is designed to overflow into the Avon in storm conditions.

Severn Trent's project manager Peter Woodley explained; "Heavy rainstorms overload the system with storm water and can result in a combination of diluted waste water and storm water entering the watercourse from the overflow. Sewer overflows protect the sewer system from becoming overloaded and causing flooding, sometimes to properties."

The tank will be sited in the car park in Burford Road where a 20-metre section will be closed between its junction with Lime Street and the car park entrance for two weeks starting on August 16.

Mr Woodley said: "Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work there is likely to be some disruption to both these areas and I hope everyone will bear with us during this times. We have worked closely with Worcestershire County Council to ensure road closures are kept to a minimum and will continue to keep local residents up to date with our plans."