A NEW playground will be an extra benefit for people in Acton following essential sewer works to reduce the risk of local flooding.

Ealing Council is working in partnership with Thames Water to ensure the needs of local people are considered as the company prepares to start essential sewer improvement works.

The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding of homes and businesses and involves major engineering work in the Horn Lane, Churchfield Road and Acton High Street areas, including Springfield Gardens and Acton Park.

In the Horn Lane area, engineers will lay a pipe to transfer storm water to a new underground storage sewer located beneath Springfield Gardens. Thames Water has identified the site of the existing playground as the only viable location available to them.

Cllr Nigel Sumner, cabinet member for health and community well being, said: "The council is working in partnership with Thames Water to ensure it can resolve the problems in Acton as quickly as possible.

"While it is unfortunate that the flood relief work will result in some minor changes and loss of park space, the council will ensure this is offset by an appropriate level of compensation, including funding from Thames Water for the replacement of the playground in Springfield Gardens.

"The works may cause disruption for residents, road users and visitors to our parks but it is vitally important that we support this scheme so that people in Acton are spared the misery of further flooding."

The council needs to find an alternative site for a new playground which will be funded by Thames Water. More than 500 local residents and businesses, Action Acton and ward councillors will be consulted to find the most appropriate location. The consultation document will also be available online on the council's website: www.ealing.gov.uk/services/council/consultations/.

Once a site has been selected the new playground will be designed, constructed and ready for use before the removal of the existing playground. The existing equipment will be removed for use elsewhere in the borough.

Due to future access requirements by Thames Water the playground cannot be reinstated at its existing location. The playground works are expected to take approximately three months. Thames Water has indicated its works on site will take approximately six months following that.

In the Churchfield Road area, new sewers will be laid in Cumberland Park, Myrtle Road, Churchfield Road and through Acton Park to connect with the existing Horn Lane sewer. This will require minor work in the park to reshape the existing football pitch.

For further information about the flood relief scheme, call Thames Water on 0845 9200 800 quoting bulletin board reference number BB699855.