AROUND 15,000 customers in Malvern will benefit from an improved service as a result of a £1.5m project being carried out by Severn Trent Water.

The aim is to replace or reline 3.25 miles of ageing sewers, some of which are brick and date back to the turn of the century.

Work on the first 1.3 miles of sewers is now complete and the second part of the project has begun, involving another 1.8 miles of sewers.

It is expected to be completed by September 2003 and is part of Severn Trent's five-year programme of investing £1m per day to improve water and water services.

"In this area the sewers are around 100 years old and are coming to the end of their life," said network field services manager Larry Barnes.

"This work will help to strengthen the sewer network and allow us to efficiently and safely remove the used and dirty water from homes and businesses in the area.

"In essence, this investment will give people in Malvern a sewerage system equipped to cope with the demands of modern living well into the 21st century."

Mr Barnes said there was likely to be some disruption in the area because of the nature of the work, but any road closures would be kept to a minimum.

Severn Trent has worked closely with Worcestershire County Council to ensure all residents are kept fully up to date with the work.

It will involve the closure of Hanley Road, Malvern Wells, from Tuesday, May 13 for two weeks.

Work on the A449 Worcester Road in the Malvern Link shopping area is due to start at the end of June and be completed by the end of August.