Millions of pounds is being ploughed into upgrading pipework in a campaign by water giant Severn Trent to cut the number of leaks in Wellington.

Preliminary work has already started but families were today warned of more than a year of disruption once roadworks are set up in the town in one to two week’s time.

More than 21,000 metres of old cast iron water pipes – some dating back to the Victorian era – will be replaced with modern, more reliable polyethylene.

And Severn Trent says this will directly benefit 3,216 properties with families receiving a better quality service and pipes less likely to crack or split.

The £3 million project is due to be completed by the end of July next year and contractors will be working round the clock to minimise disruption for local residents and motorists.

Project manager Clive Ingram said that workers would replace more than 50 per cent of the pipework with innovative no-dig technology, which was less disruptive.

Instead of digging long trenches old pipes will be cracked open and the replacements will be dragged into place without the need for so much digging.

Mr Ingram said: “This will result in a far more reliable service for customers in Wellington, with fewer leaks and less interruption to supplies.”

Severn Trent Water’s leakage manager Alan Payne said: “We spend more than £40 million every year modernising our pipe network, that is around five miles every week.

Water distribution manager Paul Baxter added: “Our customers tell us that their top priority is the safety and reliability of their drinking water. We must continue to invest in our huge network of pipes.”