A £4.6 million scheme to strengthen water supplies in County Durham has been completed. Northumbrian Water has modernised the network serving Westerton, near Bishop Auckland, delivering benefits for customers in the village and in Coundon and, subject to final commissioning works, further afield in Ferryhill and Kirk Merrington.

Engineers have installed an 850-metre water main running uphill from the A688 to Westerton and connected it to pipes that supply nearby towns and villages.

A new pumping station has been added to protect supplies along the route and improve water pressure.

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The project has also allowed an old treated water storage reservoir in the village to be taken out of service.

The work was delivered by Northumbrian Water's partner, Esh-Stantec.

Victoria Jobling, Northumbrian Water's Project Manager, said: "This investment adds protection to customers’ supplies in Westerton village and beyond. The geography in the area has historically caused problems with water pressure, but the new pumping station and the other network upgrades tackle that and provide a real boost for customers.

"We know the presence of our team, for a sustained period of time in such a small community, is impactful and we have worked hard to minimise the disruption, so we’re grateful for the patience and understanding of our customers in Westerton. The final commissioning works should have no impact on the village, with only small teams working at points around the community."