WORK has begun on the final phase of a project to improve water supplies to more than 40,000 homes.

In the £2.6m Northumbrian Water scheme to improve supplies in east Durham and Sunderland, 55km of watermain have been upgraded.

Work started this week on the final five kilometres, which runs along Stockton Road, between Cherry Knowle Hospital, near Ryhope, and Cold Hesledon Industrial Estate, near Murton.

The remaining work is expected to take up to four months - and motorists are being warned to expect some disruption to traffic.

Project manager Phil Nixon said: "Customers in the affected area will receive general information and advice as the work progresses.

"It will be necessary to turn some customers' water supply off for short periods of time and those affected will receive prior notification in writing."

The company is warning customers to be aware of the threat of bogus callers while work is being carried out and advised residents that all its staff carry an identification card which can be checked.

Anyone who has any queries or special requirements is asked to ring the Northumbrian Water customer centre on 0845 717 1100.