WORK starts next week (April 20) on improvement measures to prevent future outbreaks of flooding for residents living near a small water course.

Northumbrian Water is investing £1.5m to enhance flood defences near the Rainton Burn, in Houghton-le-Spring.

It comes in the wake of breaches of the burn banks during periods of prolonged rainfall in recent years.

The burn forms from the convergence of streams running from upland areas of Hetton Downs and High Moorsley and is tributary of the Wear, joining the river several miles away, at Lambton Park, near Chester-le-Street.

The breaches have resulted in knock-on flooding of gardens and sometimes homes on the nearby Dairy Lane estate, specifically at the lower end of Longacre, and off-shoot streets, Airey’s and Hutton closes.

Water level monitors have been installed by the Environment Agency to provide an early warning during future downpours.

A protective earth bund has also been erected on a narrow field separating the burn from the lower end of Longacre as a further protective measure.

But, Northumbrian Water is now to add a new sewage pipe and pumping station to ensure no further repeats of those outbreaks of flooding.

The length of about 250-metres of sewage pipe will be installed under Longacre and Dairy Lane, while the surface water pumping station will be erected in an adjacent field.

Work is set to begin on Monday (April 20), and will take about five months to complete, with some knock on effects for traffic in the vicinity.

Temporary traffic measures will be put in place during the course of the scheme to overcome any difficulties.

It will include the installation of traffic lights along Dairy Lane, between Wednesday, May 20, and Friday, May 29.

There will also be rolling road closures in Longacre, from Monday, May 25, until September 4.

Northumbrian Water said it will ensure people living in the vicinity are informed over the temporary traffic measures as and when they are introduced.

“The work is among numerous flood defence projects taking place across the region.

“There will be rolling road closures along Longacre, but any residents who will be directly affected will be notified.

“We will place a card through their doors to give warning a week prior to any work starting.”

Further information is available via 03457-171100.