A WATER company is to spend £500,000 to try to protect more than 50 homes from flooding.

Fifty-four properties in the Belmont and Carrville areas of Durham will benefit from the Northumbrian Water scheme.

The firm plans to upgrade the surface water sewer network. Work will begin on Monday, April 27, and is expected to take about four months.

The project is the first phase of a larger flood alleviation scheme for the two suburbs and it is hoped further work will begin within the next 12 months.

Belmont and Carrville last suffered serious flooding in August 2002.

More than 100 homes were affected, thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused and sewage washed onto the streets.

The start of autumn term at Belmont School had to be delayed to allow repairs to be carried out.

Ever since, councillors and residents have been talking to Durham County Council and Northumbrian Water about the problems.

Ken Holroyd, county councillor for Belmont, said residents would be happy efforts were being made to ensure their homes are more secure.

He said: "I think this is good news. This has been ongoing for five to six years now.

"Northumbrian Water have primarily addressed the surface water issue.

"We’re keeping our fingers crossed it will improve the sewage situation as well."

The properties affected by the upgrade are on Filby Drive, Grinstead Way, Kinley Road and Wantage Road.

Residents can find out more about the project at Belmont parish hall, on Broomside Lane, on Tuesday, April 14, between 2pm and 8pm.

Ashley Ferguson, from Northumbrian Water, said: "In times of extremely heavy rainfall the quantity of rainwater entering the surface water sewer network in this part of Carrville has resulted in flooding to some properties and land.

"This improvement work, which will involve upgrading 550 metres of sewer pipe, will reduce this risk of flooding."

The work will mean traffic management schemes being put in place. A temporary road closure will move along Filby Drive, Kinley Road and Wantage Road as the work progresses.

For more information, call Northumbrian Water on 0845-717-1100.