RESIDENTS in Belbroughton are being asked for their views on plans to build a multi-million pound alternative water supply site for Birmingham.

Severn Trent Water is looking to build a new pipeline linking an abstraction site on the River Severn near Stourport to the Frankley Water Treatment Works in Birmingham, while work is carried out on an existing facility.

Once plans have been finalised for the Birmingham Resilience Project, construction work is anticipated to last for three years and Severn Trent is committed to deliver the scheme by 2020.

Bosses say that an average of around 240 million litres everyday will need to be extracted from the River Severn, but only for a short period of roughly 40 days during the winter months - when the river is at its highest level.

Water for much of Birmingham and the surrounding area has been provided by the Elan Valley Aqueduct, which runs from Wales to Frankley, for more than a century.

But the aqueduct will require maintenance to keep it in service and this will involve it being off-line for lengthy periods.

Severn Trent Water is holding a series of public exhibitions in areas likely to be affected by the proposal to explain more and gather views as part of the design process.

They will also be meeting with angling groups to discuss the proposed work.

Before any work can begin, the company will apply for a an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency to ensure all possible impacts on wildlife, plant life and the river have been addressed.

Simon Hinsley, from Severn Trent Water said: “This investment will ensure the supply of fresh water to Birmingham and keep bills low in the long term.

“We are very conscious of our responsibilities to the people who would be directly affected by the proposals and hope they will get involved in the consultation so we can design a scheme that takes account of their views.”

Public exhibitions will be held at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Bradford Lane, Belbroughton, from 1pm to 6.30pm on Monday November 10 and from 2pm to 8pm on Wednesday November 12; and at The Bell, Bromsgrove Road, Belbroughton, from 2pm to 8pm on Tuesday November 18.

Further details on the scheme can be found on the Severn Trent website at: stwater.co.uk/brp