WORK aimed at safeguarding water supplies for future generations is set to start in a Northumberland village next week.

The £450,000 project at Ulgham, near Morpeth, is scheduled to get under way on Monday and take about four months to complete.

The Northumbrian Water improvement scheme involves installing a new water main under the railway line, which will connect to the existing main at Ulgham Grange level crossing. It also involves relining the existing water main under the railway track.

Traffic management measures are being put in place on the local road to allow the work to be carried out. At Ulgham Grange level crossing the road will be closed – with a signed diversion route in place – from October 24 to November 12.

Construction traffic will need access to the area where the improvement work is being carried, and also to the site compound opposite Ulgham Grange Farm, next to the railway line. The project comes as work continues on a £400,000 Northumbrian Water schemes to protect homes in Hepscott near Morpeth from the threat of flooding.