Visitors and residents at Whitehaven harbour are being warned to expect some disruption after a sewer burst on West Strand earlier this morning.
Workers from United Utilities have been on the scene today, assessing the situation, isolating the sewer pipe and using a tanker to clean away dirty water from the area.
A repair team is now on site and they will be working through the night to replace the damaged section of pipe as quickly as possible.
United Utilities area wastewater manager Simon Holding said: “We want to repair the pipe as quickly as we can, but we are also mindful not to cause too much noise and disruption for the residents who live nearby.
“We need to get through a layer of concrete first which is the noisiest part of the job, and we will try to do that before 10 or 11pm tonight. The rest of the work should be less noisy, and I’d like to thank residents in advance for bearing with us.”
The burst sewer normally carries wastewater from the local pumping station up to Whitehaven treatment works.
A temporary access road will be put in place over the pavement so that residents can access the nearby apartments. West Strand car park, the West Strand marina, Old New Quay car park and the Beacon Museum are still open for access. Drivers and pedestrians are asked to take care and observe the signs showing the temporary route.
United Utilities expects to be able to reinstate the area of the burst pipe and clear the site by Sunday, in time for the start of the half term break.
