Northumbrian Water said it is investing £4M in new infrastructure to strengthen its network and improve the reliability and quality of water supplies for customers in Northumberland.

The work will involve installing a new 6.6km water pipe from Hedgeley Reservoir to the Wandylaw, North Charlton Reservoir, south of Berwick-upon-Tweed (image above) as part of wider work to strengthen the water network in surrounding areas.

The additional water pipe will increase the capacity of the network, so that when demand for water is highest, customers can be more reliably served, reducing the need for emergency tankering during busy summer periods, said Northumbrian Water.

Phase one has started and is expected to be completed by summer 2027. The work is being carried out by Northumbrian Water’s supply partner, United Infrastructure.

“This latest work represents the latest investment in upgrades to the area’s water network, following a recent £1.1M project to install 3.1km of water pipe from Eglingham Village to West Ditchburn,” said the utility provider.

Northumbrian Water project manager Rachael Graves said: “This investment will help strengthen the water network serving the Eglingham and North Charlton area, improving reliability and helping us meet customer demand more effectively, particularly during the busy summer months.”

To carry out the work safely and efficiently, a road closure will be in place from June to December along the C84 Playwell Road to Beanley Moor Junction.

Following this, a road closure will be in place from January 2027 to July 2027 along the C82 Hedgeley Crossroads to Eglingham Junction.

Phase two will follow on from this work and will take place in the fields from West Ditchburn to North Charlton.

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