WORK has started on a project to a upgrade sewage treatment works serving a north Durham community.

Northumbrian Water is investing £7m to upgrade the works at East Tanfield, near Stanley, to improve the quality of water discharged into the Houghallwell and Causey burns.

The treatment works presently serves a population of 18,000 people and deals with 7m litres of waste water a day. The capacity will be increased to serve 19,500 people and 9.5m litres of waste water a day.

Residents have been informed about potential construction traffic. A traffic management scheme will operate next to the Ken Thomas Scrapyard from the beginning of January for a month.

Work is expected to be completed by April 2018. For more information visit the www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk.