A £5 million investment scheme by Anglian Water will provide properties in Rockland and Morley with new sewerage systems, giving residents the opportunity to connect to mains sewerage for the first time.

The water company is also installing a new water main at Morley St Botolph to accommodate housing growth near Attleborough.

Work has begun on the scheme to install brand-new new sewer pipes, 50 manholes and a new pumping station in Rockland, and is expected to take approximately 10 to 12 months. In Morley, installation of the new sewer pipes will begin in November and take approximately 12 months. These schemes will help to reduce pollution in both villages which is caused by poorly performing private drainage systems.

Anglian Water has also begun work installing a new water main in Morley St Botolph, which will serve new houses near Attleborough. The East of England is one of the country’s fastest growing regions, so the company regularly works with local authorities and property developers to keep taps flowing and toilets flushing as communities expand. Engineers will work from the same compound to install both these new mains and the new first-time sewerage system in Morley, enabling the company to reduce carbon emissions on both projects and work more efficiently.

These schemes form part of the company’s biggest ever programme of investment. Anglian Water cleans, supplies and treats a billion litres of water a day, and all its pipes laid end to end would stretch around the world three times – so keeping everything running smoothly is a huge challenge. This year the water company is investing £630 million in pipes, treatment centres, customer service and the environment.

Molly McKie, spokesperson for Anglian Water said, “Following investigations in the area, the assessed findings found that the current drainage systems were not working correctly and there was a high risk of pollution in the area. We’re also committed to supporting sustainable growth and making sure there’s always enough water to go round in our growing region, so we’re installing a new water main in Morley St Botolph to serve new housing.

“We are delighted to be able to deliver these projects for the residents of Rockland and Morley. This will not only enable them to simplify their wastewater disposal, but also protect the area from flooding and pollutions in the future, as well as securing water supplies. We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we are working in the area.”

During this work, engineers will do what they can to minimise disruption, but Anglian Water will need to close some roads in order to keep its engineers and other road users safe. All information regarding road closures for the Rockland first-time sewerage scheme can be accessed here; details for the Morley first-time sewerage scheme can be accessed here; and details for the water main installation in Morley St Botolph can be accessed here.