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Severn Trent is investing £170,000 to upgrade sewers and help prevent flooding in Hanley town centre.

The company will be increasing the capacity by installing bigger pipes that will be better able to cope with demand during heavy rainfall.

The work has been planned closely with Stoke-on-Trent City Council in order to compliment the improvements already taking place in the town centre.

Debbie Goodale, who is leading the project for Severn Trent, said: “This is really important work that will help to make sure businesses and homes are better protected from sewer flooding in Hanley.

“At the moment the pipes struggle to keep up with demand during heavy downpours but the new, bigger pipes we’re planning to install will make a big difference.

“We want to minimise disruption as much as possible which is why it makes sense to do this work now ahead of the council completing its upgrades in the same area.”

Barry Brockbank, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s assistant director – operational management, said: “This is a really positive example of effective partnership working. The work to the storm pipes is enabling Severn Trent to proactively do something to prevent the risk of flooding in the city centre while we are carrying out our £10 million programme of improvements to the public realm.

“This investment aims to transform key city centre shopping areas by widening footpaths to create more pedestrian-friendly areas, replacing existing footpaths with stylish paving and installing trees and benches. It will create a much improved and flexible space that will greatly enhance the physical appearance of the city centre.

“We hope this long-term transformation will alleviate the short-term inconvenience that is unfortunately necessary to enable the work to be carried out.”

Work is due to begin on Monday 12 June on Piccadilly and should be complete within five weeks.

Debbie added: “Our contractors from Amey will do as much as possible to avoid causing disruption to local shops and businesses. The area we are working in is pedestrianised and access to the town centre will be maintained at all times.

“We hope local people understand how important the work is and it will be really beneficial to help prevent flooding happening in the future.”

The project forms part of Severn Trent’s commitment to investing in its infrastructure which will see the equivalent of £1,400 invested for every home and business it serves between 2015 and 2020.