80 year old water main to be replaced

2026 will begin with a major infrastructure overhaul for Mill Steet and Mansell Street.
Due to start on January 2nd, the two-month programme will see the main replaced with a larger and more durable pipe. The current main was installed in 1946 and has burst twice in the last year, flooding a business on one occasion.
Capital Delivery Manager Carl Falla said:
“We are starting 2026 as we mean to carry on – investing in critical water infrastructure to ensure supplies remain sufficient and resilient. Given the age and the increasing frequency of bursts from this pipe, we have prioritised its replacement and chose January to allow the Christmas shopping season to carry on unimpeded. We know it will cause some inconvenience to businesses in the area, and that’s why we have written to them all outlining the plan and we will continue to keep them updated throughout.
“Pedestrian access through the street and to all businesses will be maintained and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we undertake this vital work.”
Work will take place in phases, with overland temporary pipes installed to ensure all homes and businesses remain connected to the water supply during the project.
“It’s going to be a meticulous job, with each of the thousands of cobbles removed, cleaned and returned as they were. The new water main is also larger and should not need to be replaced until nearly the turn of the next century.”
Projects undertaken in 2025 included the £1.1m. overhaul of Forest Road West Tank, no-dig sewer relining and several phases of the new trans-island pipeline The Ring Main, an £11m., seven year programme to secure water supplies to the northern parishes.