Village plagued by flooding to get £2m improvement scheme

Welsh Water has started work in St Martins, near Oswestry, to create new underground storage for the sewage.

During heavy rainfall residents have complained that water and sewage has poured through their streets, gardens and even their homes.

The water company says the construction of a new underground storage tank on land close to Stans Store should stop the problem.

New waste water pipes will also be laid both on private land and on the main road close to the Cross Keys pub. Shropshire Council will also carry out work to take surface water away from the waste water network.

Welsh Water says it will use special tunnelling techniques to avoid digging trenches wherever possible.

Residents have complained for several years about the problems, saying the combined waste water and sewerage drains had led to flooded roads and also to foul water backing up and flooding people's homes.

A water forum has been working with the water company and the council to find a solution.

Steven Earlam, from Welsh Water, said: "We realise the distress internal waste water flooding can cause and are committed to tackling it.

"Our investment project in St Martins reflects this and our goal to provide customers with a first class service.

"We recently held an information day in the village to share with people details of the scheme. It was encouraging to hear the positive feedback there was about our plans to tackle the flooding."

He said that as part of the work, Shropshire Council will remove surface water which currently enters the waste water network.

Claire Wilson, drainage technician at Shropshire Council, said: "The works are planned to cause as little disruption as possible. We are aware that this is very difficult at times but please be assured that we will try and do our best to accommodate those affected by the works.

"Ensuring public safety and minimising the effects on traffic is paramount, especially within St Martins.

"We have altered designs to avoid road closures and will notify the public as soon as the start date for our element of the work is confirmed."