WORK to create a brand new, £2.9 million pumping station and sewer project in the Marsh area of Lancaster started this week. The scheme, designed to relieve problems of flooding on the Marsh estate, involves laying new sewers in Willow Lane, St Thomas More Walk and Sycamore Grove.

That will be carried out in the Autumn after the new pumping station on Sycamore Grove is completed. A new sewer and stormwater outfall will also be constructed along the foreshore of the River Lune between Lune Road and Forbo Ltd.

Marsh Cllr Jerry Sutton said: "I welcome what is being done on the Marsh and hope it will improve things down there.

"The area isn't called the Marsh for nothing. In the past, when we have had heavy rain at high tide, the river has come over on to the Quay. That caused floods on Willow Lane and used to back up the drainage system.

"I am pleased that North West Water are sorting out the drainage problems.

"But I would really like them to do something about the state of their pollution in the Lune Estuary which is causing problems to water sports enthusiasts."

When the scheme is completed in Spring 1997, the new pumping station will ensure the transfer of a greater volume of wastewater flows for treatment at Lancaster wastewater treatment works.

A spokesman for North West Water said: "Disruption during construction work will be kept to a minimum, however some limited weekend work may be necessary from time to time. Local residents will be kept fully informed during the course of the scheme."

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