A MAJOR emergency project is underway to repair sewers on Portland after a company blocked the pipe with concrete.

Around 70 metres of the sewer network in Underhill has been blocked with concrete by a company working in the area, Wessex Water has said, and emergency repair work is expected to continue into next year.

Dorset Echo: A popular route is cut off as emergency works got under way Picture: Boots ComanA popular route is cut off as emergency works got under way Picture: Boots Coman

It means a popular walking route at Chesil Beach has been fenced off so that Wessex Water can carry out the emergency repairs, with work expected to continue into next year.

According to the utility company, its engineers have now been tasked with removing approximately nine cubic metres of concrete that made its way into the pipework, preventing it from operating.

It follows a sewerage pipe being blocked with concrete, "unfortunately caused by a company working in the area," a Wessex Water spokesman said.

To maintain sewerage services for customers and minimise flooding risk, temporary overland pipes are being used along Brandy Row, Brandy Lane and the Esplanade to bypass the damaged section of pipe.Dorset Echo: Emergency work is now in progress Picture: Boots ComanEmergency work is now in progress Picture: Boots Coman

 

The work isn’t currently affecting traffic in the area and people can continue to use their sewerage services as normal.

George Taylor, director of sewerage at Wessex Water, said: “Due to the amount of concrete in the pipe, it will take a considerable amount of time to carry out repairs. The section of damaged pipe is almost 70 metres long and runs underground.

“We have specialist teams who will be working in the area for many weeks to ensure customer sewerage services are maintained, while we carry out emergency repairs to the pipework.”

Wessex Water has written to local residents to keep them informed and explained what the work involves.

In the letter, residents are advised that the emergency repairs won’t be completed until late January 2021.

Engineers will have a short break over the Christmas holiday and noise disruption will be kept to a minimum during the works.

The water board said it is "unlikely" that engineers will need to enter nearby homes, but will carry identification if access is needed, as well as following Covid-19 procedures.

Residents with questions or concerns should call 0345 600 4 600 or visit wessexwater.co.uk