Sewers outside Bradford's Alhambra Theatre will be diverted in a £250,000 scheme to prevent flooding at the showpiece building.

In heavy rain rivers of water and sewage have teemed down Morley Street into the city centre playhouse - flooding the orchestra pit, toilets and parts of the cellar.

The downpours have been enough to cancel shows and cause thousands of pounds of damage to electrical equipment.

The last time it happened was in April 1998 when the opening night of West Side Story had to be called off after heavy thunderstorms sent sewage flooding into the theatre.

Now a team of engineers from Yorkshire Water has been brought in to fix the problem. The £250,000 flood alleviation scheme starts on Wednesday.

The main sewer pipe outside the stage door on Randall Street will be disconnected and joined to another part of the system near to Bradford Central Police station.

Bradford Councillor Barry Thorne, an executive member of the Council's culture, heritage and leisure committee, said: "We are enjoying a successful working relationship with Yorkshire Water.

"We are delighted the work will be completed at the same time as the Alhambra hosts the biggest and longest running show in its history - Phantom of the Opera."

Yorkshire Water has discussed the timing of the scheme with West Yorkshire Police, city centre management and the Bradford Retail Action Group and say it will cause little disruption.

Project manager John Beaumont explained that the new sewer under Great Horton Road, Prince's Way and Market Street would be constructed by tunnelling under the road.

"Even though this is a more costly option it is a price well worth paying because it will avoid causing disruption to the masses of motorists who use the road daily," he said.

Mr Beaumont added: "Once the work is completed in early April, the theatre won't be at risk from any further flooding, which I know will delight the orchestra!"

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