A sewer in York is set for essential repairs, causing the ten-week closure of part of Micklegate.

The sewer, which dates from Victorian times, is one of the oldest in Yorkshire and is showing signs of collapse. Investigations have shown large amounts of fat within the system which need removing.

Contract partners Mott MacDonald Bentley will be constructing two new manholes to access the sewer, before carrying out repairs to the damaged sections and removing the fat. Once complete, they will reline the 240 metre section of brick sewer.

Due to the size of the excavations required, a section of Micklegate between Bar Lane and Trinity Lane will be closed from September 14 for around ten weeks. A diversion will be in place for the duration of the project.

Mike Glew, Project Manager, said: “We appreciate this work is going to cause some disruption. However, our investigations have shown that if we don’t carry out repairs soon, the sewer may collapse completely.

“Although we’re repairing sections of damaged brickwork, we're also noticing a significant increase in the amount of sewer blockages in the area due to fat. Customers can help us by disposing of it in the bin, rather than down the sink.”

Fat deposits in sewer systems are often referred to as ‘fatbergs’ - congealed lumps of fat, sanitary items, wet wipes and similar items, which do not break down.

In the last year Yorkshire Water has cleared 35,000 blockages from sewers across the region, nearly a third of which were caused by wipes, and a further 15 per cent due to fats, oils and grease being put down sinks.

Businesses along Micklegate will be open as usual, with plans in place to facilitate any deliveries, and access for residents and pedestrians will be maintained at all times.

Representatives from Yorkshire Water will be visiting businesses along Micklegate over the next few days to explain the work in more detail, and the company will be writing to local residents.

An event for people to view the plans is being held on Thursday, September 3, at the Priory Street Centre, between 4.30pm and 7pm. During these times, residents can drop in and meet the project team and find out more about the scheme.