WORK to protect 17 homes from flooding is to start next month.

Northumbrian Water is to spend £800,000 upgrading the sewerage system in Shiney Row, between Sunderland and Chester-le-Street.

The work, which will begin in the week of July 13 and take up to five months, will reduce the likelihood of flooding to 17 properties in Park View and Eden Terrace.

Residents can find out about the scheme at an information session on Wednesday, June 24 at Shiney Row Primary School, Rear South View, between 4pm and 7pm.

Northumbrian Water’s project manager Simon Bligh said: "The scheme will involve 320 metres of new sewer pipe being installed and construction of a 275,000 litre storm water storage tank, both of which will increase the capacity of the sewerage network in times of heavy rainfall.

"The majority of this work will be carried out during school holidays to minimise inconvenience.''

There will be some road closures while the work is being carried out.

For further information call the Northumbrian Water Customer Centre on 0845 717 1100.