WORK on the final stages of a £3m water mains repair and restoration project has resumed in the Huddersfield area.

Contractors working for Yorkshire Water packed away their machinery in the run-up to Christmas, to avoid disrupting trade during the busiest period of the year.

But the gangs are back in action and aim to complete the project by the summer.

The scheme involves re-lining sections of the water mains which have either become clogged or have corroded so badly they need replacing.

Supplies should be largely unaffected, although if it is necessary to switch off the water at any stage people affected will be warned in advance.

At the moment, much of the work is focused on the Mirfield area, where residents were consulted in November in an effort to keep inconvenience down.

Yorkshire Water urged customers with a discoloured supply not to run washing machines or dishwashers until the problem has been rectified.

A company spokesman said: "Staff from Yorkshire Water and contractors Balfour Beatty should not need access to properties.

"So residents should be on their guard if strangers knock on their doors claiming to represent either company.

"Genuine employees carry identification cards which can be checked by phoning 0845 1 24 24 24. They won't mind being kept waiting while their credentials are verified."