EXEBRIDGE residents finally look set to be connected to the mains sewerage system in April next year - a full 18 months ahead of schedule.

There had been fears the work would not get underway until after the end of 2004 after a wrangle between South West Water and the Environment Agency.

But West Somerset district councillor for Dulverton and Brushford, Mike Gammon, refused to let things lie and maintained the pressure on the water company.

Only this week he enlisted the support of Taunton MP Adrian Flook to campaign on behalf of the villagers for an earlier starting date.

Originally, residents were told the project would not get underway until after the end of 2004 after "a misunderstanding" arose between South West Water and the Environment Agency.

The water company claimed the agency had objected to its £300,000 plans and pencilled-in a start date no earlier than the end of 2004.

The agency, meanwhile, said it had no objections to the company's plans to build an underground sewage pumping station on land off the B3222 alongside Exeham Farm.

Although that "misunderstanding" was resolved, the water company had - until now - been reluctant to commit itself to a firm starting date.

As a result, Mr Flook decided to take up the villagers' case and wrote "a strongly worded letter" to the chairman of the water company.

During a visit to Exebridge this week, Mr Flook praised Cllr Gammon's efforts and said he was seeking assurances that South West Water was still committed to the scheme.

He said: "What Mike has done just shows how much a local councillor can do.

"He has got West Somerset District Council to back this scheme all the way and I applaud him for that.

"But despite all his efforts, he has asked me to intervene because South West Water seems to be dragging its feet."

But as the Free Press went to print yesterday South West Water confirmed it hoped to start work on the scheme in April next year, with a view to completing the work in July 2003.

A spokesman for the company said: "We are obviously committed to completing the scheme and have revised our target date in the hope of starting in April 2003, completing in July of the same year.

"We have received Mr Flook's letter and we will be replying to him in due course. Currently, we are assessing the numbers for the take-up of the scheme."

Cllr Gammon said he was "delighted" with South West Water's decision, but was reluctant to start celebrating until the start date had been confirmed in writing.