HOMES at risk of sewage flooding during heavy rain are set to be protected by the installation of larger sewer pipes, with work beginning in March.

During heavy downpour, some homes in the Windmill Avenue area of Rubery are at risk of flooding as rain water drains from paths and roads into the sewer.

Work to install larger pipes to help cope with quick water increase will be carried out by Severn Trent contractors Amey on March 13, continuing until the end of the year.

Noor Kanber from Severn Trent said: “This is a really important project for residents in Windmill Avenue who are currently at risk of sewer flooding.

“That’s why we’ve taken the decision to invest in new pipes to help prevent the problem from happening.

“To do this our contractors Amey will be installing much bigger pipes that can remove twice as much waste water.

“This will mean that during heavy downpours the sewers should be able to cope with the quick increase in water.”

There will be some traffic restrictions in place at different stages of the scheme to allow the engineers to work safely.

Mr Kanber added: “We’re really glad that we’re able to carry out this work to guard against flooding and protect our customer’s homes.

“Our engineers will work as quickly as possible to complete the work and they'll consult with local residents before starting any work outside their homes.

“We know that some disruption will be caused but we hope that everyone will see the long-term benefits this scheme will have.”

Severn Trent is holding a community drop-in session ahead of the work on Thursday, February 16, in a mobile office outside Select and Save in Windmill Avenue.

The drop-in session will take place from 4pm until 6.30pm.

Mr Kanber said: “We’ve been working closely with the local council to plan in this work and now we’d like to invite local residents to come and see us to find out more about the scheme and share their views."

Anyone who wants to be kept up-to-date with the work by Amey can text the word WINDMILL to 01952 780333.

For more information visit stw.works.