A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to improve the water quality of one of the Lake District's most recognisable attractions will begin next week.

United Utilities will lay a new 6.5km sewer and upgrade two local wastewater treatment works in Windermere as part of a £40m investment from November 7.

The work, which is due to be completed by March 2020, is aiming to reduce the amount of phosphorous in the lake which can be damaging to aquatic life.

The chemical can create algal blooms, which reduce the amount of oxygen in the water making it difficult for aquatic animals to breathe and potentially creating an impact on on recreational uses of the lake.

Pippa Smith, who is Wastewater Asset Manager for United Utilities, said: "Reducing the amount of phosphorous entering the Lake Windermere will be good news for aquatic life, recreation and tourism.

"Unfortunately, the laying of the new sewer will result in some traffic disruption, which is why we are timing the work to avoid peak tourist seasons.

"We will do everything we possibly can to minimise inconvenience. ​ Ultimately, we want this project to create a lasting legacy for the area, supporting wildlife, tourism and a thriving local economy.”

The project was announced in September earlier this year as plans were finalised to construct a 6.5km sewer which would take extra sewage flows to the wastewater treatment works.

Improvements will also be made at the existing Glebe Road pumping station as well as upgrades at both Windermere and Ambleside wastewater treatment works.

Prior to this a public exhibition was held at the Belsfield Hotel in Bowness to allow concerned residents to understand more about the work which will take place.

It's hoped that the scheme will reduce the number of times the sewer network overflows during heavy storms, which contributes to the increase of phosphorous in the water.

The sewer will be built along the A592, which connects Windermere with the north of the county.

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This is set to cause years' worth of traffic disruption as one lane of the A592 is set to be be closed from Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club to a property called Low Moor Crag in order to lay a new section of the sewer.

This closure will remain in place from November 14 to December 19 with a 10mph speed restriction set to be enforced during this period.

Work will then resume in the new year on January 3, 2017 with a rolling road closure in place from Low Moor Crag, moving along in 300 metre sections towards Windermere wastewater treatment works at Tower Wood.

A diversion will be in place for all vehicles, although pedestrians and cyclists will be able to get through.

The closure will be lifted during the February half-term break and then reinstated until Easter 2017.

Further work will then take place from November 2017 although details of the road closures are yet to be planned.

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