FLOODING in one part of Halesowen should be consigned to history after Severn Trent Water announced a £300,000 sewer improvement scheme.

New larger sewers and three rainwater storage tanks which can hold 250,000 litres of water will be installed in Manor Lane.

The surface water which collects during every downpour will no longer be a danger to residents.

Severn Trent Water programme engineer Ben Gannon said: “During times of heavy rain, several homes in the Manor Lane area of Halesowen can be affected by surface water flooding and more are at risk.

"This is a horrible thing to happen to anyone and we want to do everything we can to protect our customers from this.

The new sewers represent a significant investment for STW and will improve drainage, protect homes and the environment as well as help prevent pollution.

Mr Gannon added: “The revised plan, based on suggestions from local residents, has been given planning approval, and work has now begun in earnest.

"The new sewers are already in place and we’re now installing the new storage tanks in the fields."

He added: "These tanks will hold up to 250,000 litres of water so should have a huge impact when it rains and rainwater will be stored in these tanks rather than overwhelming the sewer system and flooding homes."

STW need to connect new pipes to the existing network on Manor Lane and will wait until half term week in February to minimise disruption.

The project, which is being carried out by STW contract partner, Amey, is planned to be complete by the end of March.

Mr Gannon added: “We know that a few people are still worried about the work being done on a piece of parkland and we would like to reassure them the new pipes and tanks will be under the ground and you’ll hardly know they are there.

“We’d like to reassure our customers that we do take their views into consideration and we want to work together to solve the flooding issues for residents, as well as keep any disruption to a minimum.”