WELSH Water is investing £280,000 in a scheme that will deliver environmental improvements to the Upton area of Chester.

The utility company will begin work on Monday, July 27, to upgrade the wastewater network in the area which will involve increasing capacity on the existing network to enable it to cope with the additional demands placed on it during storm weather conditions. The work is part of a £4m scheme for the area.

The current sewer system in the area is combined - where wastewater and surface water use the same pipes. During periods of heavy rainfall this can lead to capacity being reached on the network.  

The project will reduce the likelihood of spills occurring in storm conditions, which will deliver and environmental boost to the area by improving water quality in the river. The scheme will also see the construction of manholes and associated connections. 

Clara Hughes, Welsh Water’s communications representative said: "This essential scheme reflects our ongoing commitment to invest in our wastewater network for the benefit of our customers and the local environment. We would like to thank local residents and businesses, particularly those nearest to the location of the scheme, for bearing with us whilst work is carried out."

There will be two closures on Weston Grove from Monday 27th July until August 30.with a third planned for the school half term in October. All diversions will be clearly signposted.

Clara added: "While it will be necessary to implement traffic management measures to carry out the work safely, we appreciate the inconvenience this may cause and apologise beforehand for this."

Through planning of the scheme Welsh Water has liaised closely with representatives from the Environment Agency, Highways Agency and Cheshire West and Cheshire Council. 

Welsh Water is investing £1.4bn in its water and sewerage network between 2005 and 2010.

It is a not-for-profit company with the sole objective of providing top quality services for its customers.