A MAJOR project aimed at preventing the interruption of water supplies in a North Yorkshire village will get underway next week.

The existing main water pipes in Colburn, near Catterick, are ageing and prone to bursting - together they have burst six times in the last five years.

When the pipes burst, it causes disruption to local residents including temporary loss of water supply.

However on Monday Yorkshire Water will begin a £300,000 project to replace 1,680 metres of cast-iron mains, laid some 60 years ago, with more robust plastic pipes.

Engineering specialists, Morrison Utility Services will take around eight weeks to complete the work.

The team will start work in Colburn Lane close to the junction of Meadowfield Road on February 1 and then move on to Colburn Village South, Colburn Village North and Colburn Hall.

During the project the sections of road engineers are working on will be temporarily closed and fully signed diversion routes will be in place.

Project manager David Standish said: “We understand that this work will be disruptive to local residents and road-users. We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and for any delays to your journey.

“Please be assured we’ll do our best to complete this essential work as quickly as possible. It’s important that we reduce the risk of these water pipes bursting in the future, so we can secure water supplies for our customers.”

Homes and businesses that will be affected by the work will receive a hand-delivered card notifying them of the dates and times in advance.