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A water firm will restore 15 acres of grassland in a project it claims will mitigate the biodiversity impact of laying new pipe.

The move is part of Northumbrian Water's £155m scheme to upgrade ageing water pipes in Durham and Tees Valley.

The company is taking over a piece of land between Shildon and Bishop Auckland where it plans to plant wildflowers and hedgerows.

Official Paul White said the work would "contribute significantly towards no net [biodiversity] loss" due to the pipe project.

Hedgerows, scrub and woodland will be planted, alongside the creation of new ponds, with the company taking a 31-year lease on the land.

"[We] will work with the landowner to develop and manage the site for the long term," Mr White said.

The first phase of the pipeline project is about 90% complete, according to the company.

Phase two, which involves laying a new water pipe between Gainford and Long Newton, will be constructed between 2025 and 2028 pending planning approval.

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