A major, 16-week scheme to re-line over five kilometres of sewers in two North Essex villages began earlier this month.

Anglian Water has identified several sections of sewer in Langham and Boxted, where surface water is finding its way into the network and putting the area at risk of flooding should the sewers become overwhelmed.  

The company is investing £1 million to line these sewers with an epoxy resin to prevent surface water getting into the foul sewer network.  

Antony Innes, from Anglian Water, said: “We know that work of this scale is going to cause disruption to customers and road users, and we’re sorry for that. However, this is important work which will improve services in the area.  

“Some of the roads we will be working in, from next week (29th October), are very narrow, particularly in Boxted, making working conditions more complex than we’d usually expect. Unfortunately this does mean there will be road closures while the work is carried out.  

“Five roads will need to be shut in all, although work will be carried out one road at a time, to minimise disruption.”  

Starting next week (29th October) Church Street in Boxted will be closed to through traffic for one week.  

The following roads will then be closed during November:  

  • Week commencing 5th November: Church Road, Boxted
  • Week commencing 12th November: Ellis Road, Boxted, from the junction of Queens Head Road heading North.
  • Week commencing 19th November: Green Lane, Boxted
  • Week commencing 26th November: a different section of Ellis Road, heading south from Green Lane, will also be closed.  

Throughout this work, access to residents will be maintained and diversion routes will be clearly signposted for through traffic.  

Antony continued: “The remainder of the work, on the larger roads around Langham, will be carried out from December using traffic lights to protect the public and our workforce.  

“As with any work, we will aim to keep disruption to customers and road users to a minimum and complete the work as quickly and safely as we can.”  

It’s anticipated that the whole project to re-line five kilometres of sewers will be completed by the end of January 2013.