A £1.5 million sewerage scheme is set to enter its final phase of work in Newtownards.

NI Water is upgrading parts of the network, which will enhance the water quality discharged to Strangford Lough.

Work will begin on Monday 22 July to lay a new pumping main along a section of Portaferry Road, from NI Water's wastewater pumping station to Portaferry Road roundabout.

Contractor GRAHAM has signed on to deliver the work overnight across a three-four week period. A lane closure will be in operation during the work.

Peter Ferguson, NI Water's Senior Project Manager, said: "The laying of this new pumping main forms an integral part of NI Water's £1.5m investment into upgrading Portaferry Road Wastewater Pumping Station and the associated sewerage network. The existing pipeline, which runs through the adjacent airfields, has recently suffered a burst. By replacing and relocating the pumping main, NI Water will reinforce the network and gain better access to its infrastructure in case of any problems in the future."

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He added: "The new pumping main will be laid in the verge where possible and will only come onto the road to avoid local business properties. NI Water and GRAHAM have been liaising with the relevant authorities and have scheduled to undertake this work at night (7pm – 6am) to minimise impact to local businesses and commuters. Access to businesses will be maintained at all times and traffic lights will be in place to manage and maintain traffic flow. The contractor will ensure that noise during the night will be kept to an absolute minimum."

(CM/MH)