Monmouthshire's cabinet members have recommended that the county council gives the go ahead to create a capital budget to carry out work to divert foul and surface water sewers.

These run under the site of Caldicot School's proposed 3G all-weather pitch and the new foodstore earmarked for the town.

In addition, cabinet members have proposed that the decision to accept the tender for these works be delegated to councillors and officers rather than refer it to a future meeting.

The recommendation to create a new budget will need to be approved by a full meeting of the county council as it represents an increase in the 2013/14 capital budget already approved by members.

The setting up of the budget and delegation will ensure that these works can be carried out as soon as possible following the discovery of the sewers last year.

The money will be clawed back after the land allocated to the foodstore has been sold.

After discussions with Welsh Water the council has agreed to carry out the sewer diversion works using approved contractors, with Welsh Water itself connecting the pipes to the mains.

The council has commissioned consultants to design the scheme and will invite tenders to be returned in late May. 

Council officers anticipate that work will start on site in early June and will be completed within four to six weeks.

Once concluded, work can begin on the new 3G pitch with completion scheduled for November.

Councillor Bob Greenland, cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, said: "The delegation of the decision to accept the most appropriate tender for the sewer diversion works will save valuable time and should enable the successful contractor to be on site at least four weeks earlier than if a decision is left until the June Cabinet meeting.

"The time saved will contribute to bringing Caldicot's regeneration a little bit nearer."