WORK will start soon on a £1m-plus scheme to improve water supplies to thousands of homes.

Northumbrian Water will upgrade nearly 14 miles of mains pipes, some of which may be up to 100 years old, in the east of Sunderland city centre and parts of Hendon.

The work, which will cost £1.5m, will begin next Monday and take up to eight months to complete.

The company says it will improve water pressure, reduce leakage and safeguard supplies for the future.

The upgrade of pipes in the west of the city centre will be done within the next 18 months.

A spokeswoman said: "The company will do all it can to minimise any inconvenience caused while this improvement work is carried out.

"We have worked closely with Sunderland City Council and Nexus to plan any traffic management required.''

The company is warning people to beware of bogus callers claiming to be from the "water board'' and says that it is unlikely workmen will need to go into people's homes. Anyone with doubts about a caller's identity is asked to call the company on 0845 717 1100.

More information about the work is available from that number and officials will explain the scheme on Wednesday at the Crowtree Leisure Centre, from 1pm to 7pm.