A PROGRAMME of works to stop water leaking from pipes in the Keighley area is nearing completion.

Yorkshire Water has been replacing older pipes to cut down on the amount of water lost to leaks and bursts.

A company spokesman said the underground waterpipe network for Keighley alone stretches for 529 kilometres.

He added 47 per cent of Keighley's underground pipework is made up of older, Victorian cast iron pipes.

Joe Hands, Yorkshire Water’s north west area service delivery and leakage manager, said these pipes can also be prone to burst during the summer, as well as during the coldest winter months.

He said this was because the warmer weather causes the ground to dry up and compress the pipes. It also generates more demand for water from customers, placing even more pressure on pipes.

Mr Hands added: “We have one of the oldest networks in Europe.

"Cast iron pipes are prone to changes in temperature. As it gets colder, the material in the iron shrinks, causing the pipe to contract and the ground around it to move. This weakens its structure – miniscule holes can enlarge, leading to bursts.

“The older pipes are being replaced on a rolling programme. It is carried out to ensure minimal impact on customers. We are just completing work in Keighley and Ilkley.”