Water pipe in historic battle site to be replaced

The 100-year-old pipe in Newbury that has burst 19 times is finally being replaced to stop flooding

A CENTURY-old pipe underneath an historic street in Newbury will be replaced next month to protect homes from flooding.

The cast-iron main was laid more than 100 years ago in Essex Street, the site of The First Battle of Newbury in 1643, and has burst 19 times since 1995.

A number of schemes have been attempted over the years to prevent the flooding but none have been successful.

Replacing 300 metres of the 12-inch pipe with new and robust plastic piping is the next step to protecting homes.

Thames Water's head of capital delivery, Lawrence Gosden, said: "There has been a long history of bursts on this pipe and we are committed to doing everything we can to protect people's homes from the upset and stress of flooding.

"Our underground infrastructure was not quite in place for the Battle of Newbury but it is certainly old and in need of replacing.

"As well as wanting to strengthen the network against bursts, replacing this pipe will reduce leakage and help protect our water which is under increasing demand.

"We provide the essential service to 14 million customers.

"To do that we need a sturdy network of water pipes and sewers, which is why projects like this are so important."

The £500,000 project is due to start on Tuesday, October 25 and will take 10 weeks to complete.

Two-way lights will be in place on Essex Street for the duration of the work.

If you have been affected by the burst water pipe, contact Tanya Haji on 01635 564541 or email tanya.haji@newburynews.co.uk