Project Update 16/04/2025

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am the Northumbrian Water Project Manager, Victoria Jobling. I have been managing this scheme from the beginning and will be looking after it up to completion. We have a brilliant project team which includes our Partners at Esh Stantec and are very excited to be delivering a scheme that will benefit the local community now and in the future.  As the project develops, I will keep you informed about our plans and progress by sharing our proposals with you on this portal. I am very interested to understand your views. The team will post regular updates throughout the construction phase of the project and if you have any queries or want to make us aware of any additional assistance you require from us then please post a comment within the Community Hub.

“We’ve designed the project to minimise disruption to people living in the area, but we recognise that elements, such as the connection work, will see us working within the village. We will work to reduce the impact of that wherever possible, and keep customers informed of what to expect while we are there.”

Your source of drinking water will not change, but it will be pumped directly from the bottom of Westerton hill via a set of new booster pumps situated in the field just next to the exit from the A688. This will also be the location for the contractor’s compound and welfare areas. There will be a new section of main running from the bottom of the hill, up to the village, where we will make some connections into the existing system of pipe work. These pumps will have the capacity to supply your area and support the surrounding areas in times of high-water demand.

I’d like to thank all residents for their cooperation whilst property surveys were carried out in February;  it has been greatly appreciated.

When the work begins there will be times when we need to have traffic management on the road through the village and our partners Esh-Stantec, will always let you know in advance when this is necessary. The connection points on the existing mains have been chosen to avoid works within the carriageway as much as possible, as well as to minimise necessary works within the village. Once the new pumps and new main are in service, we will then move to take the reservoir out of service. We will contact you again in advance of any works taking place within the village itself to ensure any impacts are fully understood. There is no current plan to demolish the structure, only to drain, disconnect and make it safe. It will remain as Northumbrian Water’s responsibility to keep the site safe and tidy.