Leaking Victorian pipe to be changed

The iron Victorian pipe, which runs under Constitution Hill and Malton Road in Molescroft, Beverley, has burst six times in the last three years, badly disrupting supplies and traffic.

But work on a £55,000 project by Yorkshire Water to replace a 610-metre section of the pipe with a new plastic version will begin on Monday, significantly reducing the risk of further problems.

The work is part of a £90m investment the company is making between 2010 and 2015 to renew and maintain its network.

Project manager Dave Standish said there would be some disruption to traffic in the area while the work is carried out.

He said: “This essential work will ensure we continue to secure water supplies for our customers in Beverley.

“We recognise that this work will cause some disruption, but we want to reassure local residents and road users that we’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and complete this project as quickly as possible.

“We are sorry for any delays to your journeys.”

A spokesman added: “We want to make sure our pipes are fit for purpose and reduce leakage on the network while making sure we maintain customers’ supplies at all times.”

The company said the work would give the pipe an extra 20 years of service.

The work will be carried out by engineering specialists Morrison Utility Services.

Two-way traffic lights will be in used on that stretch of road for four weeks to ensure the safety of workers and road users.

However, Yorkshire Water said employees from Morrison Utility Services would not need access to local properties and urged residents to be on their guard against bogus callers. To verify a caller’s identification call 0845 1 24 24 24.