Multi-million pound sewage works scheme on way

Contractors working for Yorkshire Water are set to move in to start work on the major revamp of the works, near Naburn.

While the work will take place within the perimeter of the existing works, Yorkshire Water today warned there would be an increase in construction traffic in the B1222 Naburn Lane.

A spokesman warned motorists using the route to be prepared for lorries arriving at or leaving the sewage works. He also warned local householders to beware of conmen trying to gain access to their properties claiming to be from the company or its contractors, Black And Veatch.

"Neither Yorkshire Water nor Black And Veatch anticipate needing access to people's homes while the work is in progress, so we would warn residents to be on their guard if strangers knock on their doors claiming they need to come in," he said.

"Genuine employees of both companies carry identity cards which can be checked by telephoning 0845 124 24 29."

He said Yorkshire Water hoped to build a new access road to the site, crossing the existing cycle track.

"The track, pavement and grass verges will all be fully reinstated once the scheme is complete."

He said the works, which dealt with much of York's waste water, was to be upgraded by Black And Veatch to ensure to it could meet the growing demands of the city in years to come.

Yorkshire Water project manager Gerry Smith said it would be a major scheme which should ensure York continued to benefit from an effective waste water infrastructure.

"However, an effective sewerage system is one which no one notices and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that remains the case in York while the project is under way."

Yorkshire Water said once work began, contractors would be working on site between 7.30am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, although some work might also be necessary on occasional Saturdays, between 8am and 1pm.

The project is expected to be completed in November 2008.