WORK to prevent Bourne Valley villages from flooding has taken place following a £1million investment into the area’s sewer network by Southern Water.

Repairs to drains have been undertaken in St Mary Bourne and Hurstbourne Tarrant, to lower the risk of groundwater flooding in the wake of heavy rainfall.

In recent years roads and properties in both villages have been badly damaged by flooding, including the newly refurbished George and Dragon pub in 2014.

Serious issues have already been addressed in the area as part of a £12m project over the last two years, to survey and seal sewers in 60 towns and villages prone to groundwater flooding.

Southern Water are spending an additional £2m this year which sees a total of £1m spent on improving the sewer network around St Mary Bourne.

Two manholes and 76 metres of sewer have been sealed in Church Road, St Mary Bourne and The Dene in Hurstbourne Tarrant.

In Ibthorpe, a further 68 metres of sewers have also been sealed.

Southern Water’s director of operations Phil Barker, said: “Of course, the performance of any sewer system can never be guaranteed but we are confident that, after such a significant investment, the performance of the local sewer network will have improved considerably should the winter prove to be wetter than usual.

“We continue to keep a close eye on the area and to take steps when improvements are identified.”

Southern Water’s updated Infiltration Reduction Plan can be viewed online at southernwater.co.uk.