RESIDENTS whose lives have been made a misery by flooding may soon get a respite thanks to a £500,000 sewer improvement scheme.

For years, residents in the south of Hartlepool have repeatedly told Hartlepool Borough Council of their frustrations at the problems they face with flooding. Many have had furnishings and carpets ruined.

The problem was particularly bad following heavy rain in August, when firefighters attended 13 flooding incidents in the town in one day.

Now, Northumbrian Water has said it will begin work in the late spring on the scheme in the Fens area of the town, which it is hoped will alleviate the problems. It is expected to take about five months to complete.

The scheme will involve sewer renewal works in Honiton Way, Mardale Avenue and Torquay Avenue, all linking in to Seaton Lane.

Northumbrian Water has also said it intends to continue to focus on the performance and maintenance of the large pumping station at Seaton Carew, which was updated earlier this year in a bid to prevent future flooding beneath the railway bridge.

The project was announced yesterday following a meeting between Hartlepool mayor Stuart Drummond and Nortumbrian Water managing director John Cuthbery and Dave Mitchell, the company's production unit manager.

Mayor Drummond said: "Some residents have had to endure the misery of having their homes flooded with sewage-contaminated water on several occasions, and it was clear something needed to be done.

"We hold regular meetings with Northumbrian Water and we have used these as an opportunity to highlight the urgent need for action.

"I am delighted that we have now got this commitment."

He added: "Hopefully, the sewer and pumping station works should help to solve the flooding problems that have occurred both at the Fens and at South End, in Seaton Carew."

Prior to the sewer improvements beginning, Northumbrian Water said it intended to hold a presentation for residents to explain the scheme and how it would affect them.

The meeting will take place at a local venue on a date still to be decided.