A £1 MILLION 'health check' on Keighley's sewers is almost complete.

Yorkshire Water (YW), together with contract partners Barhale and Indepth Civils, has been inspecting sewers across the town in an initiative to reduce flooding risks.

As part of the work, damaged sections are being relined, and broken pipes and gullies replaced.

Also, checks are taking place to ensure disused drains from old outside toilets and wash blocks are properly disconnected.

YW project manager Jonathan Lemoine, who's overseeing the scheme, said: "We're giving Keighley's sewers a big health check to make sure they're flowing properly, and repairing any damage that could cause flooding issues.

"We lost some time over the winter due to the snow but the project is now finishing-up.

"Also, we have just had approval for some additional money to carry out a few main sewer repairs which will improve the network further."

He urges people to help avoid sewer blockages by not flushing wet wipes and sanitary items down the toilet or pouring leftover cooking fat down drains.

Engineers were joined for an afternoon by the town's MP.

John Grogan accompanied the team as it worked in Mornington Street.

"I spent a fascinating time with the Yorkshire Water staff and their contractors," he said.

"Residents in that area of Keighley have long complained about sewage overflows and flooding. Most of the pipework there had probably not been touched for the best part of a century!

"Yorkshire Water is taking a proactive approach rather than acting as and when individual complaints are received. In the long run, this must be a more cost-effective strategy."