Exclusive by Alan Quick

THERE is good news on the horizon after South West Water announced that it was ahead of schedule and it hoped to complete essential repairs to the sewer system in Crediton, within the next few days, nearly a week ahead of schedule.

The £320,000 scheme to repair and replace Victorian sewer pipes resulted in a partial closure to traffic in Crediton High Street, but last week SWW said the work was progressing well and was on schedule.

This week works progressed well and were now ahead of schedule, said SWW communications officer, Becky Moran.

She explained that the two new manhole chambers on the existing foul sewer main (under construction last week) are finished.

Also that the faulty interceptor, underneath the pavement outside two of the businesses, has been removed.

She explained that this will prevent future blockages and odours (interceptors were installed in the 1960s to act as a kind of “holding chamber” to prevent smells).

Becky told the “Courier”: “An old 15-metre drain rod lodged in one of the main sections of sewer – which was holding back flows and causing blockages – has been successfully removed using robotic ‘no dig’ technology. This meant we did not have to dig up the pavement.

“Four intruding lateral connections which were holding back flows and causing blockages have been removed using underground robotic cutting equipment.

“A section of 15 metres of sewer pipework crossing the main road opposite East Street, originally earmarked for open cut excavation, has been successful refurbished using slip lining and grouting techniques.

“Additionally, 28 isolated sections of sewer have been successfully lined and using high pressure jetting units approximately 420 metres of sewer have been descaled.”

Becky added: “To date 566 tons of material have been excavated and removed from the site and 2,636 man hours have gone into the project, with staff continuing to work over the weekends.”

She said the two main excavation areas within the road closure have now been reinstated and approximately 120 metres of structural liner were being installed on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 9 and 10.

After that was completed, 10 lateral connections were then due to be reopened.

Becky reiterated previously made thanks to those who have continued to support and promote the town’s traders and helped reinforce the message that Crediton is open for business during the works.

The contractors are R and M Utilities and the works began on Monday, January 25.

They were due to be completed on Sunday, February 21 but are now ahead of schedule.

When the works began there were teething problems with traffic congestion on diverted routes and some shopkeepers and businesses reported some loss of trade.

However, the public have been really supporting the traders, shopping locally and making a specific effort to support them.

There is free parking for one hour in the St Saviour’s Way car park and some on-street parking, which many are taking advantage of in Crediton High Street.

Many motorists are also pleased that there are no traffic civil enforcement officers in the town for the duration of the works.

Peter Chapman, SWW customer support and operations liaison manager, previously expressed praise for the contractors.

A date when the road would re-open to traffic was yet to be decided.