Work to protect homes in Highbridge from sewer flooding has been paused because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The project is being led by Wessex Water and partly funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) and Somerset County Council. It will alleviate flooding in and around Field Way thanks to a new surface water pumping station and pipework.

Work began in late February but was put on standby in mid-April.

Although water and sewerage personnel are officially designated as key workers providing an essential surface, health and safety and social distancing guidelines were limiting what could be done on site.

Wessex Water were also concerned about working in a residential area during lockdown and potentially causing disturbance.

The construction site has therefore been secured, with road and lane closures and cabins left in place. This is so that works can be resumed when restrictions are lifted.

The text below has been left as a guide to what was being done.

Diversions needed for safe working

While improvements are carried out by Wessex Water, the Worston Lane footpath/cycle path will be shut for six months and part of Pepperall Road will also be closed.

Clear diversions will be in place, including for pedestrians and cyclists accessing The King Alfred School fields.

Wessex Water’s Maria Maillo, who is co-ordinating the work, said: “We’re working in partnership with SRA, the county council and the Internal Drainage Board to deliver these essential improvements that will protect people’s homes from flooding.

“The road, cycle path and footway closures are essential to carry out the works safely and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this will cause.

“We’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption and complete work as quickly as possible.”

As a partner in the scheme, the SRA is using Government Growth Deal funds from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

Drop-in session held on Monday 20 January

Wessex Water hosted a drop-in session at The King Alfred School in Highbridge on 20 January. More than 30 residents attended and staff answered questions about the scheme.