A programme of sewerage system upgrades in Ballymoney is set to begin starting next week.

NI Water is leading the scheme, which will take place over three weeks from Monday 17 October. Work will involve both traditional open-cut construction and repairs from existing manholes, improving the existing sewers in the area.

NI Water Senior Project Manager, Robert McLean said: "NI Water has carried out extensive CCTV work on the sewerage system in Ballymoney and has identified a number of areas within the town centre that require rehabilitation works to ensure that the sewers are as robust as possible. A programme of work has been developed to be undertaken in advance of any future public realm scheme. To help minimise disruption to businesses, the works on Main Street will be carried out at night."

Between Monday 17 October and Friday 28 October contractor AG Wilson will be carrying out traditional open cut repairs to the sewers on High Street opposite the Town Hall. Working hours will be from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Lane narrowing will be in place continuously during these works to manage the flow of traffic. Access to the Town Hall, businesses and residential properties in the area will be maintained but may be subject to slight delays.

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On Monday 24 October traditional open cut repairs will also be required to an existing manhole on High Street at its junction with Linenhall Street for approximately one day. Manned traffic lights will be in place to manage the flow of traffic. Again, vehicular access for businesses and residents will be maintained but may be subject to slight delay and parking restrictions may be in place around any working area.

Explaining more about the works, Mr McLean said: "Repairs to the sewers on Main Street will be undertaken at night using trenchless methods from existing manholes within the parking bays. The area affected by the repairs lies between Church Street and Meeting House Street junctions. Work on this section will get underway week commencing 24 October and will last approximately two weeks. Working hours will be 8pm to 6am.

"Every effort will be made to minimise noise and complete the work in the shortest possible timeframe. Where there is night-time working, it is anticipated the most disruptive elements of the construction work will be completed by 11pm.

"NI Water through our project team, AG Wilson and AECOM, have carried out letter drops in the area and will continue to liaise with any businesses and residents directly affected by these works. We appreciate that work of this nature can be disruptive and we will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum.

"We would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we complete this essential work. Local communities will benefit from these sewer improvements and reduced flood risk for many years to come."