FAMILIES who have lived with the threat of flooding will get a chance to have their say on a multi-million pound project aimed at protecting their homes.

The risk of 28 homes in Newton Hall, Durham City, being flooded after heavy rain is to be reduced by a £2.5m upgrade of the estate's sewerage network.

Northumbrian Water is to install 1,300 metres of sewer pipe and, in a field north of Finchale Road, a storage tank the size of an Olympic swimming pool, reducing the risk of flooding for homes in Salisbury Road, York Crescent, Canterbury Road, Rochester Road and Rothbury Road.

Residents will have a chance to see the plans and ask questions of company representatives.

A customer information session will be held in Northumbrian Water's offices in Abbey Road, in Durham, between 3pm and 8pm on Tuesday, June 5.

Andrew Blakemore, Northumbrian Water's sewerage operations controller, said: "We appreciate that some customers in the Newton Hall area have suffered flooding in times of heavy rainfall and that this can be most distressing for those affected.

"I encourage customers in the area to come along to the customer information session, where we will explain the work in detail and also answer any questions or concerns they may have."

Councillor Mamie Simmons, who represents Newton Hall on Durham County Council and Durham City Council, said: "This is very good for the people in this area.

"Several people have suffered several times and I am very pleased Northumbrian Water is doing this, as are other people on the estate."

The work is the second phase of a flood defence project that will benefit 40 homes in total.

A £700,000 project affecting Lindisfarne Road, Staindrop Road, Dilston Road and Blanchland Avenue, was completed earlier this year.

The latest work is due to begin on Monday, June 11, and last nine months.

Northumbrian Water does not expect to need access to customers' homes.

Temporary traffic measures will be imposed and some bus routes changed.

Anyone with queries about the scheme has been asked to call 0845-717-1100