Anglian Water is investing £365,000 in a project to reline over five kilometres of sewerage pipes in Horncastle, Mablethorpe and Withern.

Improvements to the area’s sewer network are underway after work began last week in Mablethorpe.  The scheme is set to be completed by Spring 2012.   

The project will strengthen the sewerage network serving the area and dramatically reduce the risk of a sewer collapse, which is often costly and disruptive to repair.  

Rather than digging down to replace existing ageing sewers, in this scheme pipes will be relined with a soft felt ‘sock’ impregnated with resin.   

This lining is fed through the pipes while it is soft. Once in place, steam is pumped in, reacting with the resin to make it set and create a robust rigid lining. This reduces the need to dig up roads and minimises disruption for local communities.  

In some places, where the pipe has deteriorated or partially collapsed the section of pipe will be replaced before it is lined.  

Whilst the technology being used will reduce the need for digging, in Horncastle some road closures will be required to allow safe access to manholes. These will begin with Hopton Street which will be closed for one day on 21 February.  

During any road closures there will be clearly signposted diversion routes and residents will be informed ahead of work.   

In other places temporary traffic lights will be needed to allow the work to be carried out quickly and safely.  Access to residents will be maintained throughout.  

Sarah D’Arcy, from Anglian Water said: “Maintaining the structural integrity of the sewerage system is vital to prevent flooding and blockages.  

“If a sewer collapses then it can cause lots of disruption and unpleasantness for local people. Our aim is to prevent this from happening.  

“Unfortunately, that does mean that there may be some short-term disruption as a result of this work and we are sorry for this. But this is vital work to help prevent future problems and we hope customers will understand.  

“These sewers have performed well for many decades and this project will help ensure they continue to do so.”