News

After completing work in Folkestone, Veolia Water is undertaking a series of mains renewal schemes in the autumn and early winter to cut the risk of bursts and help reduce leakage in Shepway and Dover.

Work is now underway at Green Lane in Rhodes Minnis with schemes in Stelling Minnis on Stone Street (B2068) and at Lyminge on Longage Hill also scheduled to start shortly. Further schemes will then follow at Agester Lane and Walderchain in Denton.

Veolia Water Southeast Pipelines Manager Steve McIntegart said that mains pipes in these areas had been identified as being at risk of bursts and needed to be replaced to ensure security of supply.

He said: “We have an extensive network of around 1,000kms of pipes to maintain and sections needing replacement are regularly identified. This work helps us avoid bursts and unexpected interruptions of supply for our customers.”

Traffic management with temporary lights or stop and go boards will be required for some schemes and road closures and diversions for others. Notice will be given well in advance of the start of schemes.

Short interruptions in supply may be needed to complete mains renewal work as customers are connected to the new pipes. Customers affected will receive advance notification by letter.

Mains renewal schemes have recently been completed in Folkestone at Woodfield Avenue, Woodfield Close, Cherry Garden Lane and Clifton Gardens, in New Romney at Church Lane and Church Approach, in Acrise at School Road, in Littlestone at Blenheim Road, in Ewell Minnis at Belsey Lane, and in Dover at Grace Meadow, Whitfield.

Steve McIntegart added: “We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we carried out these important works. We aim to keep any disruption to the minimum but appreciate that the delays caused by temporary traffic management can be frustrating.”

The mains renewal schemes are part of a £34.5m investment programme that Veolia Water is undertaking in the Folkestone and Dover area in the five years to 2015.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©