£2 million for emergency water supplies in Walsall

Severn Trent Water is installing a two-and-a-half mile-long pipe from Perry Barr Reservoir to Barr Beacon Reservoir in Walsall.

Bosses say the new pipe will be there for emergencies such as severe droughts.

From today George Frederick Road in Streetly was closed to drivers, with diversions in place. It will be shut until November 8.

The rest of the work, which will be carried out away from residential areas, is expected to be completed by summer 2014, bosses say.

Severn Trent programme manager John Tuck said: "We want to make sure our customers always have a reliable supply of water.

"To do this we're installing a new two-and-a-half mile water pipeline between Perry Barr Reservoir and Barr Beacon Reservoir in Walsall.

"The new water pipeline will mean that in an emergency situation we can re-route water to make sure that our customers' supply isn't affected.

"We're working with South Staffordshire Water to carry out this important improvement."

Severn Trent's contractors Morgan Sindall will carry out the work on its behalf.

Mr Tuck added: "The new pipeline will largely be installed away from roads in the area. However, we will need to temporarily close George Frederick Road until early November.

"While we work a diversion is in place and residents will always be able to access their homes. We'd like to thank the local community in advance for its patience and let them know we're doing all we can to minimise disruption."

Meanwhile two water mains burst in Staffordshire within hours of each other, forcing roads to close and leaving scores of people without running water for up to four hours.

The first problem was in the centre of Hednesford, while just hours later a second burst in Cannock town centre, causing gallons of water to gush out.

Part of Market Street in Hednesford remained closed last night following the problem yesterday morning.

Police also helped close part of the A34 Stafford Road, at the Beecroft Road car park, when a pipe burst at around 2pm.

Engineers from South Staffs Water were sent to both sites to carry out repairs.

Severn Trent Water operates Perry Barr Reservoir in Kingstanding.

Bosses from Severn Trent held a drop-in session with the public several weeks ago where they answered questions about the multi-million pound project.

Perry Barr Reservoir holds 83 million litres of water and supplies areas such as Kingstanding, Perry Barr and Great Barr.