WELSH Water is to start work on a £1.5 million scheme to upgrade the water mains network in Westhide.

The scheme, which is due to start this month, will involve refurbishing 24km of water mains in the Ocle Pychard, Dormington, Ashperton, Mordiford, Stretton Grandison, Yarkhill and Shucknall areas.

Due to be completed by the beginning of October, the upgrade should not only ensure top quality drinking water but also improve the reliability of the water supply in the area, says Welsh Water.

The first phase is due at Traherne Close and Hadley Orchard in Ocle Pychard and will mean temporary traffic measures, including road closures and temporary traffic lights.

A public exhibition of plans of the work is to be held on Tuesday January 13 from 7pm to 8.30pm at Mordiford Primary School.

Representatives from the project team will be on hand to explain more about the project and answer any questions.

Welsh Water has been liaising with Herefordshire Council in preparation for the scheme.

Andrew Swift, Welsh Water investment manager, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused while work is in progress and hope our customers will bear with us while we carry out this essential work.

"All customers who will be directly affected will receive an information pack to read and we ask that they keep it in a safe place to refer to while the work is taking place.

"This investment will upgrade the local water mains network and help us to deliver an improved service to customers in the area.

"We look forward to meeting people who are interested in finding out more about the scheme at the public exhibition."

The scheme will be delivered by Laing Utilities, working with United Utilities, ChandlerKBS and other partners carrying out the water mains refurbishment programme, on behalf of Welsh Water. These partners are members of the Welsh Water Capital Alliance.