COGAN residents who have suffered devastating flooding in their homes could be helped by a £1.75 million scheme to tackle the problem.

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has started work to reduce the risk of sewage flooding, with improvements set to benefit those living in Pill Street and Dock Street.

Excavation work is taking place alongside Penarth Leisure Centre and in Little Dock Street.

New storage tanks will be built in increase the capacity of the local sewerage system, greatly reducing the risk of flooding of homes in severe storm conditions. The project is set to be completed in August.

Penarth Assembly Member Lorraine Barrett said: "Having sewage flooding into your home or even your garden is absolutely devastating and is just not expected in this day and age.

"With councillor Ann Rees and Nigel Gibbs, I've been involved in discussions with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water about this problem for some time now and along with the residents of Pill Street and Little Dock Street, we are delighted and relieved that this scheme is now under way."

Welsh Water's manager of the project, Peter Childs, said: "This is an important scheme for people in the area. We are pleased that we are able to tackle this problem to prevent householders being at risk of sewage flooding, which is very distressing."

He added: "The new tanks will be underground and built to the latest specification. Above ground the only noticeable features will be additional access points and a very small control building.

"The excavation work will inevitably cause some short-term inconvenience to local people. It will mean that some of the playing fields will be temporarily unavailable while construction work is going on. We will do everything possible to minimise inconvenience."

* Are you a Cogan resident fed up of the flooding? Will the work help? Phone reporter Ceri Garner on 2070 7234.