�1m water pipe scheme in Great Dunmow

A TWO year long water leak will finally be addressed as part of a �1million scheme to improve and modernise Great Dunmow s under-ground water pipes. The leak, situated near to The Helena Romanes School at the top of Beaumont Hill, has caused motorists dis

A TWO year long water leak will finally be addressed as part of a �1million scheme to improve and modernise Great Dunmow's under-ground water pipes.

The leak, situated near to The Helena Romanes School at the top of Beaumont Hill, has caused motorists distress after icing over dangerously during the recent cold weather.

It has been included in a list of over seven kilometres of improvements drawn up by water company Veolia Water Three Valleys.

Dunmow's county councillor, Susan Barker, is angry that the leak has been left for so long and is dismayed about the town's High Street being dug up instead so that water mains can be replaced - a project that is expected to take 12 months to complete.

She said: "The leak outside the school has been ongoing for two years at the very least. It is something I have contacted the water company about on many occasions but with no joy.

"I have simply been told that they do not know where the leak actually is."

She added: "I am shocked to hear that they are digging up the High Street again, the pipes should have been replaced when the work was being done on the junction with the new White Street development.

"The High Street has just become reasonably good to drive on so I hope they will replace it properly when they have finished."

Veolia Water Three Valleys project manager Tadas Buivydas said that replacing the pipes would save thousands of litres of water.

He added: "Tackling leakage is one of our top priorities and we're committed to replacing ageing pipes across our supply area before spring.

"This important work will greatly reduce the chance of pipes cracking and bursting unexpectedly, which we know can cause disruption to our customers."

The new pipes are made of durable plastic which is more flexible than traditional metal water pipes so should last longer.

Residents are being assured that the work will have a minimal effect on High Street activities.

Essex County Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, Norman Hume, said: "We are working closely with Veolia Water to minimise any inconvenience to residents while this work is taking place."

Customers who may have concerns about the work are encouraged to contact Veolia Water Three Valleys on 0845 782 3333 or visit the website at www.veoliawater.co.uk/newpipes

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