WORK to improve water pipes in Marlbrook and Lickey is underway.

Severn Trent Water has invested £600,000 to carry out the work which includes laying two kilometres of water pipes in the area and underneath the Alvechurch Highway.

The final part of the work began on Monday, February 5, and is expected to be completed by the end of May.

During this period the highway will be closed between the A4096 Old Birmingham Road and Marlbrook Lane.

A diversion is in place for drivers, while signs have gone up to inform people what is happening.

There will also be traffic lights on the Old Birmingham Road, for most of that time. Jonathan Tait, from Severn Trent Water, said: “A lot of the pipes in the area have been used for many years, and like many things do when they’ve been used for a long time, they’ve become old and fragile and sometimes break.

"During this work, the old water pipes will be replaced by new ones, which will be less likely to burst. This means we can continue to provide a reliable service to our customers in Lickey and Marlbrook.

“We’ve already replaced some of the pipes in the area. But so far most of the work hasn't affected our customers, as we've been able to carry it out on private land.

"However we’ll need to carry out the last part of the work under the Alvechurch Highway itself, which means we’ll have to close the road.”

He added that Severn Trent Water had been working with local people and businesses to make sure they are aware of the work, and why it is being carried out.

For more details, or any customers with questions, call Simon Williams on 07772894968.