FARMLAND in a Teesside village is to be protected from future flooding with the help of a new £135,000 sewage improvement scheme.

Northumbria Water is to start the 14-week project in Egglescliffe, near Stockton, later this month.

The aim of the sewage upgrade scheme is to stop Rose Cottage and nearby farmland in The Green area being subjected to flooding problems.

Ian Cunliffe, Northunbria Water’s project manager for the scheme, said: "Reducing the risk of flooding is one of Northumbrian Water’s top priorities.

"This improvement work, which will involve constructing 250metres of new sewer pipe along private farmland, from Manor Farm Pumping Station to The Green, will help to increase the capacity of the network and reduce the risk of flooding."

Workers will begin the improvement scheme on June 22.

During the course of the essential work a rolling road closure will be in place at The Green, near Hawthorn House.

Construction traffic will need access to The Green where the work is being carried out, and the site compound, located at Manor Farm, near Old Hall.

Residents in the affected areas will receive information about the work in writing prior to the work commencing.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Water said the upgrade would only affect one property, although it would also protect important farmland at the bottom of the green, which was prone to flooding.

The company said everything will be done, through careful planning with Stockton Borough Council, to keep any disruption to a minimum.

The spokeswoman added: "It is very unlikely that anyone from the water company will need to gain access into customers homes while the work is being carried out in the Egglescliffe area.

"If customers are in any doubt of a caller claiming to be from the water company, they should not let them into their home. They should ring the company’s customer centre to confirm the caller’s identity."

Customers who require further advice should contact Northumbrian Water on 0845-7171100 or log on to www.nwl.co.uk