Staffordshire residents are being invited to learn all about a £3.8m Severn Trent scheme to boost sewer network capacity in their community - and reduce the risk of flooding.

The vital works are taking place on land off Hambro Place in Chell, Stoke-on-Trent. The 10-month scheme will see new waste pipes laid and underground tanks installed.

The project will improve sewerage capacity and reduce the risk of floods during heavy, sustained rainfall. To keep the public safe, an adjacent playground and footpath will be closed, with a diversion put in place.

Severn Trent is holding a drop-in session to highlight the scheme to residents and businesses on April 11, from 3pm to 6pm, at The Whitfield Valley Centre, Fegg Hayes Road, ST6 6QR.

Kay Gill, Severn Trent Community Communications Officer, said: “We want to answer any questions people may have about this essential scheme, which will improve sewage capacity in the area, particularly during storms.

“We will be installing around 170m of brand-new pipework and other sewage assets, such as below ground tanks. This will also help with improving the quality of the Ford Green water course and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

“Due to the location of the work, the playground area will unfortunately need to be closed. We do understand the frustrations this may cause, but this project is vital in helping secure the network for the future.”

Kay said letters had already gone out to locals explaining the need for the scheme. She said: “We appreciate that it can be inconvenient to have work happening in your area. But we, along with our contract partner Barhale, will do all we can to minimise disruption for local people and businesses where possible.

“The drop-in event is a great chance for us to explain the steps we are taking to address any concerns. We will be able to provide more information on how these works might impact local people and what the site will look like during this construction phase.

“We would invite residents to come and meet our team and find out more about the project. We’d love to speak with them and answer any queries.”

As part of the scheme, a road closure will take place on Hambro Place for approximately five weeks, later in the year. Full details will be shared with residents when the closure date has been confirmed, while access to frontages will still be maintained.