RESIDENTS are being invited to find out more about a £250,000 scheme to improve Okehampton's sewer network, taking place this summer.

A South West Water customer caravan will be available to the public, where staff will be on hand to answer any questions about the scheme.

The move comes after traders voiced their concerns when South West Water announced plans to close North Street, George Street, Mill Road, Fore Street and East Street, while the work is carried out.

The proposed duration for the scheme was cut from 13 weeks to seven, following a meeting held by the chamber in May.

It has been arranged with Devon County Council that the work will take place during the summer holidays, to enable Mill Road to be used as a diversion route without the additional traffic to Okehampton College.

Okehampton town councillor and owner of Upcott House Bed and Breakfast Cllr Kay Bickley said: 'South West Water have made a lot of effort to communicate what they are doing.

'They have made good presentations to the town council and even better ones to the chamber.

'They've worked really hard telling people what's going on and what they are doing.

'I think the bigger issue is with Highways and Devon County Council —  and the consideration of the traders and the impact on their businesses.

'They haven't considered this on top of the difficulties with the traffic lights and a poor winter.

'This is the time of year when we in the tourist industry trade to make our money.

'People were looking to a good, healthy summer, but what we are going to have, basically, is road closers.'

The scheme is part of a five-year, £42-million investment in the sewer network across the region to renovate public sewers, which have been identified as being at risk of collapse.

Project manager for South West Water Stephen Cross said: 'We will be lining or replacing damaged sewers in Okehampton.

'Without this necessary investment, the sewer network will continue to deteriorate and this could lead to collapses, which cause pollution, flooding and odour.

'We will be working hard to minimise disruption to the public and businesses as far as possible while completing these essential works.'

Contractors will be using 'no dig' techniques wherever possible to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and traffic.

All businesses, schools, hospitals and care homes affected will be visited by a customer liaison officer before work starts.

All emergency services and other service providers have also been informed.

Work starts in Okehampton on Sunday, July 11 and is due to be completed within seven weeks, finishing by the end of August.