A water company pulled out all the stops to complete a scheme to replace an old, unreliable water main in the historic village of Alfriston, East Sussex four weeks early.
South East Water started the £550,000 project on 2 January and following some changes to the project plan it was able to finish ahead of schedule.
To ensure the safety of the villagers, motorists and contractors North Street, High Street and Weavers Lane were closed to through traffic in phases so the new 600 metre long pipeline could be laid.
South East Water’s Project Manager, Jeremy Dufour, described the success of the work and the community engagement.
Jeremy said: “It’s a real credit to the hard work everyone put into this scheme that we finished four weeks early.
“I would like to thank all residents and local business in Alfriston for being so patient and friendly and Alfriston Primary School for allowing us to run a safety competition with its pupils.
“Our teams have worked rigorously to complete the project ahead of schedule while causing minimal disruption to the village and to finish four weeks early just goes to show the hard work they all put in.”
The water company worked alongside Alfriston Parish Council and East Sussex Highways to carefully plan the scheme to ensure the work would be completed safely and efficiently.
East Sussex Highways Traffic and Network Manager, Trevor Merchant, said: “I would like to thank South East Water and everyone involved in the completion of this major scheme.
“When I first heard about the project I knew the challenges we and the company would face but it has handled it superbly and is a fantastic job well done.
“I would also like to add the level of cooperation between South East Water and East Sussex Highways in coordinating this project has been outstanding.”
Chair of Alfriston Parish Council, Jen Watkins went on the praise the water company.
Jen said: “It is fantastic news the work has completed so early. South East Water’s employees have been incredibly helpful, friendly and polite at all times and on behalf of the council I would like to thank them for all their hard work.”
