Severn Trent is delivering the final phase of its £3 million pipe renewal programme in Leicestershire.

The works, which will see the final 700 metres of water pipes upgraded between the villages of Arnesby and Knapfton, will ensure a continued and reliable supply of water with the upgraded infrastructure ready to meet the demands of a growing population and the pressures of climate change. 

This project is just part of the overarching £80 million programme of infrastructure renewal taking place in Leicestershire, which includes replacement of water pipes to prevent leaks and bursts and laying of brand new sewar pipes to separate rainwater from foul water.  

Lisa Orme, Severn Trent, said: “As our pipes age, they can degrade and become more prone to failure, so it is crucial that we are renewing our network to ensure it is in the best possible condition in order to reduce leakage and events such as bursts which can impact our customers’ supply. This project will also help us to futureproof the network, ensuring that it’s fit to handle the expected rise in demand as a result of population growth, and the effects of more extreme weather events due to climate change. 

“This project has been vital in ensuring that residents of Knapfton, Arnesby and the surrounding area have a water network that they can rely on.”

Due to the location of the pipes to be replaced and to ensure the safety of the teams delivering the project and other road users, traffic management – including traffic lights and road closures with signed diversions – will be in place throughout. 

Lisa continued: “Our teams will be completing these works as safely and quickly as possible and to ensure the wellbeing of both our engineers and other road users, some temporary traffic management will be in place throughout. 

“We understand that roadworks can be frustrating, however by renewing the water infrastructure we are hopeful that our engineers won’t need to return to make repairs in the future.” 

Severn Trent will directly contact any customer whose water supply is expected to be interrupted during these works, which are expected to be completed by April 2023.

For more information on the project, visit www.stwater.co.uk and search for Arnesby to Knapfton.

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