WORK has started on a £21 million upgrade at the Watchgate water treatment works.

Investment at the plant, four miles north of Kendal, is designed to improve the quality of water produced.

Work at Watchgate is due to be finished by spring 2003 and is the latest phase of a number of major improvements at the site.

Last year United Utilities completed the £9 million refurbishment of the plant's 56 filters and electrical control equipment.