A MASSIVE programme of investment is planned over the next few months to ensure water supplies are safe at a number of neighbouring communities in North Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Water is ploughing about £1.8m into the scheme to ensure the safety of supplies in five villages in the Masham area - Witton, Agra, Ilton, Ellingstring and Swinton.

The work will start later this week and will see the three natural spring water sources in Ilton, Witton and Agra Moor abandoned for good.

Instead, the five villages will be connected to the main Yorkshire Water network at the nearby Thornton Steward water treatment works.

If all goes according to schedule, the scheme is due to be completed by the end of November and it should ensure the security of water supplies in the area.

The work will also comply with Government guidelines concerning the risk of the bug cryptosporidium, a water-borne parasite which can cause serious stomach complaints.

Yorkshire Water project manager Matthew Staffordsaid yesterday: "These three springs have been assessed and do not meet the requirements of the Water Supply Regulations Act of 1999, suggesting they are at 'significant risk' from cryptosporidium."

He said: "Even though these springs do not pose a risk to public health at the moment, we are having to abandon them to meet with regulations, ensuring that the standard of Yorkshire water remains at its highest."

Residents of Agra Moor took part in a customer forum in November last year when experts from Yorkshire Water were on hand to explain exactly what the work would consist of and why it was necessary.

Mr Stafford added: "Although the work will mean some disruption to the area, for which we apologise, we are confident that it will be kept to a minimum."