Newcastleton waves goodbye to old drainage scheme

Published 30 Jun 2009 15:02 0 Comments

Share this

COUNCIL chiefs insist disruption will be kept to a minimum as phase one of the Newcastleton drainage improvement scheme started this week.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has awarded the contract to SBc Contracts, the Council"s in-house contractor.

Phase one involves the laying of a new surface water road drain along South Hermitage Street from Douglas Square to the Short Syke burn. Connecting drains will be laid along Langholm Street and several other side streets.

Existing gullies that currently drain into a combined sewer will be fed into this new system and some additional gullies will also be installed to improve the capacity of the drainage system in this part of the village.

This is a key part of the strategy to reduce road surface flooding problems in Newcastleton by providing another route for water to drain away. Large pipes are being used to maximise the storage benefits of the new system.

The work will start at the outfall at Short Syke and will be carried out in short lengths to minimise any disruption to the local community and to traffic. Access to buildings will be maintained and South Hermitage Street will remain open throughout the works, but traffic lights will be used where work is being carried out.

A number of side roads will, however, have to be closed. Local diversions will be set up when necessary.

Representatives of the contractors will visit those directly affected in advance to explain how the work will be done and what arrangements have been made to maintain access to properties. Letters will also be sent out.

The co-operation of the local community and general public during the works will be greatly appreciated.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Border Telegraph Poll

Do you prefer the new road layout in Galashiels to the old system?

Follow @bordertelegraph