A MAJOR improvement scheme on Westleigh Brook in Leigh has progressed in record time.

The £250,000 project has improved a sewer overflow near Wigan Road at its junction with Norbury Street, and now Wigan Road will be re-opened for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Most of the work has been carried out in six weeks over the holiday period to minimise disruption to schools.

United Utilities project manager Steven Wong said: "I'm very grateful to local residents and traders for their patience while the work has progressed, and I'm pleased that we are now able to re-open the road ahead of schedule in time for the bank holiday weekend."

Sewer overflows act as safety valves on the wastewater network -- helping prevent flooding by catching water that drains off roofs and roadways during heavy rainfall.