A project is under way to improve more than 40km of water mains in and around Whitby.

The £2m scheme, which should finish in March next year, should see work taking place in Castle Park, Sandsend, Fishburn Park, Sleights, Briggswath and Ruswarp.

Underground pipes are being either replaced, relined or cleaned to improve the quality of drinking water reaching consumers' taps.

Engineers carried out pipe sampling in March and a number of customer forums helped the project team shape their final plans.

The scheme will ultimately result in 27km of mains being replaced or relined and a further 14km being cleaned.

Project manager Paul Gamwell said: "Over recent years, Whitby's clean and waste water infrastructure has benefited from millions of pounds worth of investment.

"When completed, this latest scheme will bring further benefits to our customers as it will enhance the quality of the water reaching their taps."

He admitted the work would cause some disruption locally, but said it was hoped this would be kept to a minimum.

"Digging holes in roads and footpaths can lead to some inconvenience, but by working with the local community and keeping them fully informed of what we are doing, we hope to reduce this as much as possible."

* It is unlikely that engineers will need access to homes by all staff and contractors will carry identification. If anyone claims to be from Yorkshire Water needing entry residents can check by calling the contact centre on 0845 124 2424.