WORK has started on a new £1.1 million scheme to reduce the risk of flooding at homes in Turton Bottoms.

The United Utilities project will involve upgrading the sewer network in the area and building new storage tanks to deal with water during heavy storms.

The new system will move sewage along faster and separate sewage flows from rainwater, which bosses at United Utilities hope will prevent further misery.

Many people were affected by floods during last August when heavy rain led to rising water levels across Turton, Egerton and Belmont, and the closure of the Turton and Entwistle reservoir.

Chapeltown Road has been closed for the scheme to be put in place and traffic will be diverted for three weeks.

Irene and Tom Bainbridge, of Birches Road, have been flooded three times at their home.

Irene, 62, said: "The last time was the worst because it damaged all our downstairs rooms. The water came above our knees and because it was from the sewers it smelled horrible.

"We hope that once the work is complete it will take the weight off the old sewer and prevent it from flooding. Whenever we get a heavy downpour we are concerned that it is going to overflow again."

United Utilities project engineer Lee Hall said: "The network works very well normally but during very heavy downpours it simply can't deal with the sheer volume of rainwater running off roads."