HISTORIC sewers in Oldbury are being upgraded next week at a cost of £400,000.

The capacity of the sewers in Clent Road, Norman Road and Pottery Road need to be increased due to issues with flooding.

Gareth Mead, from Severn Trent, said: “While we expect our vital work to install new bigger sewers to be complete in October, we will be working hard to finish sooner.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for highways and environment Councillor David Hosell said: "It’s good to hear that this work will be done after flooding affected homes and roads.

"I understand the people affected have warmly welcomed the improvements which should help prevent flooding in the future.”

Amey, on behalf of Severn Trent, will be doing the work and temporary road closures will be in place while the work is done.

Work starts on Monday 25 in Norman Road and will continue in Pottery Road and Clent Road over the next few months. Work is expected to be completed in October.

Norman Road will be closed between July 25 and August 5, with traffic diverted down Pottery Road, Abbey Road and Hurst Road.

The second phase will see Pottery Road closed between Norman Road and Abbey Road from August 8 until September 2, with diversions via Abbey Road, Hurst Road and Norman Road.

The third phase will involve Clent Road being closed between Ramsay Road and Broadway from September 5 to October 21, with a diversion via Broadway, Wolverhampton Road and Clent Road.