Drain repairs identified during major road improvements programme

Darlington Borough Council and Northumbrian Water are working together to investigate some concerns regarding drains in part of the town centre.

The issue, affecting the Coniscliffe Road and Grange Road area, was uncovered during the council’s major summer road improvements programme.

Northumbrian Water, which is responsible for maintaining the drains, has carried out a survey of one affected area in Coniscliffe Road at the junction with Grange Road and has started urgent repairs. These are expected to take up to 10 days. The other area, in Grange Road, is still being investigated.

The council is carrying out its major summer road repairs programme across the town during the summer holidays, in an effort to minimise disruption.

The works were planned in consultation with businesses to minimise their negative effect. Unfortunately, during the works, problems with the sewers have been discovered

Councillor Alan Marshall, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “During planned works in the area, some concerns with the Victorian sewers came to light that have needed further investigation.

“As a result, sewer repair works are underway in Blackwellgate and will be implemented in Grange Road as soon as the extent of the problem is known.

“This is a busy area of the town centre, so we will be working to keep as much access and parking available as possible.

“We understand the concerns and frustrations of businesses in the area and we are talking to them to explain what is happening. We will, of course, keep them fully updated as the work progresses.

“We are also working closely with Northumbrian Water to minimise the disruption.

“The planned road maintenance will be completed once Northumbrian Water has finished its repair work.”