Good progress in £1m scheme to upgrade sewerage system

The water company and its contractors Mott MacDonald Bentley are involved in a 750,000 project to upgrade the pipe running under the harbour.

The 20-week scheme is progressing hand-in-hand with a 350,000 project to build a computerised 3D model of the entire Whitby sewerage system, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.

The work under the harbour is to strengthen the pipe and protect it from the tidal forces that have weakened it to the point that in August 2008 it leaked raw sewage for three days, forcing the closure of Tate Hill Beach.

A Yorkshire Water spokesman confirmed yesterday that work was "progressing very well" under Whitby Harbour.

As well as improving nearly 160ft of pipe, the contractors had also finished sealing 16ft of it in concrete. This was the first section to be completely encased.

Yorkshire Water sewerage asset manager Miles Cameron said: "We're delighted with how things are progressing so far and would like to say a big thank you to local residents and visitors to Whitby for all their patience and support."