WATER leaks in the area could be reduced with a £10m scheme to replace Victorian pipes.

Thames Water has started to replace 14 miles of ageing water mains in Deptford as part of a scheme to remove London's oldest and leakiest water pipes.

And the old cast iron pipes, many dating back to Victorian times, will be replaced with plastic mains.

The work, which is due to be completed by March 2008, will cover the following roads: Deptford High Street; Amersham Vale; Deptford Church Street; Brookmill Road, and parts of New Cross Road and Creek Road.

Thames Water's project manager Duncan Wainwright said: "There has been a high number of burst and leaking pipes in the area and it is no longer sustainable to simply patch up the holes on the pipework.

"We have therefore decided to replace the old cast iron mains.

"The plastic pipes we are installing will be more durable and flexible."

For more information, call 0845 641 0011, quoting reference number BB 713805.