A MULTI-MILLION pound scheme to stop homes flooding has been announced.

United Utilities will spend £20 million to protect property in Tyldesley from being swamped with waste water as part of a spending programme of £190 million.

But average household water bills are set to rise from April 1 to around £406, up £13 on last year, largely due to inflation.

Gary Dixon, United Utilities customer services director, said: “The small increase in prices this year is due largely to the rise in inflation.

“Even so, customers in the North West will still be paying around £1 per day, about the same as a loaf of bread, for all their water and sewerage services. “We'll be putting that money to good use, by ensuring the region’s water network, treatment works and sewer systems get the investment needed to deliver the service our customers expect."