The water company plans to negotiate the contract and will hold a contract information day later next month in Widnes.

Several projects have been delivered over the last two AMPs at Blackburn waste water treatment works.

Further improvements are now required for AMP6 and these have led to a full review of the waste water treatment in the area.

The water company is aiming for an integrated engineering solution at both Blackburn and Darwen works to improve waste water discharges into the river Darwen.

This will see the Darwen works closed down, although additional storm water capacity will be built at the site.

The pre-qualification questionnaire will be available from 12 September.

Interested parties are invited to an introductory presentation to be held at the Best Western Everglades Park Hotel, Derby Road, Widnes WA8 3UJ on Wednesday 17 September.

Interested firms must confirm their attendance by 10 September.