A LONG-awaited scheme that should help in the fight against flooding in Northallerton is finally getting under way.

Yorkshire Water has confirmed a start date for a sewer scheme in the town, which should help reduce the risk of flooding on the busy roads near County Hall.

The £800,000 scheme will enhance the sewer system beneath those roads and contractors Mott MacDonald Bentley are expected to arrive on site on Monday.

Residents were consulted about the project last month and feedback on the scheme was largely positive.

Over the next few months, the project will include: enlarging the existing sewer beneath Broomfield Avenue and the construction of a new sewer under Thornley Avenue.

A new tank sewer will also be built beneath a section of the car park within the grounds of County Hall.

It will hold storm water and sewer effluent until conditions improve and it can be discharged at a controlled rate into the main sewer beneath Racecourse Lane.

There will also be improvement works at the pumping stations at Broomfield Drive and Cleveland Drive.

The work will mean some construction noise and an increase in traffic around the sites, although the contractors hope to keep any disruption and disturbance to a minimum.

Project manager Chris Freeman said: "We recognise this is a sensitive area as it involves residential streets, a register office and the hub of local government in North Yorkshire.

"Some leeway has been built into the schedule to allow us to shut down during wedding ceremonies and so we can avoid clashing with important council services.

Neither Yorkshire Water staff nor crews from Mott MacDonald Bentley should need access to local homes while the work is in progress.

Residents are urged to check the identities of anyone calling at their homes claiming to represent either company.

Genuine employees carry ID cards which can be checked by telephoning 0845 1242429.