WORK on the £3.5million scheme to install new water pipes both under and over the River Weaver in Nantwich is set to be completed by August.

Severn Trent Water started work on the project in February 2014, and was originally set to be completed by the end of last year.

The project has suffered numerous delays, including a delay over Christmas when the firm made the decision to improve the structure of the bridge over the river.

Gareth Mead, from Severn Trent Water, said: “The tunnelling machine completed the digging under the river at Christmas, as planned, and work to lay the new pipes in the tunnel began in February.

“This is also now complete. The final piece of the work, which is to upgrade the pipes that go over the river on a bridge, has started.

“When we started the final part of the work, to upgrade the pipes on the bridge over the river, we found that the existing structure of the bridge was in need of a little care and attention.

“It’s best that we do this extra bit of work now, to save us from coming back at a later date and causing more disruption. So, to make sure the structure remains in good condition, we’ll be taking a bit more time and doing some maintenance work.”

Mr Mead said the work is on course to be completed by August 2015.

However, this mean the car park at Nantwich Lake will remain closed while work is ongoing, though visitors can use an alternative car park that will remain open throughout the work.

Mr Mead added: “We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience and for the delays in the work, but we’d like to reassure our customers and the local community that we are pushing on and so won’t be here for much longer.

“However the security of water supplies that this work brings will be there for generations to come.”