A £3 million scheme to reduce the risk of sewer flooding in High Street, Cowes, has moved into its second phase.

Sewers are being increased in size and a stormwater storage tank will be built. Phase one, to carry out extensive sewer improvements in St Mary’s Road, was completed in the spring.

Phase two is underway in Francki Place and is scheduled to complete by Easter 2010. This phase includes the construction of the storage tank, as well as new manholes and larger sewers.

A section of the car park in Cross Street (just over half) will be closed until December. The entire car park will reopen by Easter.

Southern Water and its supplier carrying out the work 4Delivery continues to liaise with local residents, businesses and the council. The scheme was split into two phases so as not to disrupt the busy tourist season and Cowes Week.

Southern Water’s Contracts Engineer Dennis Taplin said: “We are pleased to be progressing with this scheme, which will help reduce the risk of sewer flooding to properties and highways during periods of heavy rain.

“We know the closure of part of the car park will cause some inconvenience and we have worked with other agencies to ensure as much of it as possible can remain in use.

“When complete the scheme will benefit the residents and businesses of Cowes and our priority is to ensure the work is carried out as quickly as possible, with the minimum of disruption.”