Northumbrian Water has pledged to invest £1 billion in improving services for its customers in the North East of England between 2015 and 2020.

The plans currently include improving 270 miles of sewers to reduce flood risks, replacing 200 miles of water mains to prevent interruptions to supply and upgrading 12 sewage treatment works to raise the quality of water returned to rivers.

The supplier claims the investment will help stimulate economic growth, create jobs among suppliers and contractors as well as attract new businesses to the area.

Heidi Mottram, Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water said: “This is a major commitment to further improve the infrastructure of water supply and sewerage services in the North East and it will have a significant knock-on effect in terms of our regional economy.”

The company is currently developing a new business plan based on customer feedback, with the final version to be published in December.