A Council and water company have moved to allay fears that sewage works could ruin a 19th century park.

Thames Water plans to build a sewer tank under the main lawn of Broadfield Park, in Crawley.

Former Crawley borough councillor Ian Irvine, 51, who once chaired the planning committee, said: "People won't have access to the park which is a shame. Lots of local people use it.

"Broadfield Park dates back to 1830, and is mostly the grounds of a Grade II listed late Georgian house.

"Many rare and exotic trees were planted here, including giant redwoods.

It also has an unexplored archaeological potential and quite a diverse wildlife." Thames Water has said it will consult residents over the coming months on the works, due to start in the autumn.

The work is part of a larger project to install a 2km sewer from Pease Pottage to Broadfield Park.

The tank will be used to collect storm water and will help to reduce the risk of flooding. No planning permission is needed because the work has been deemed essential.

A spokesman for Crawley Borough Council, which owns the park, said: "Although the work is being carried out under a notice under the Water Industry Act, Thames has been talking to the council about the work to minimise disruption and how to reinstate the park once work is complete.

"The council will liaise with its chosen contractor to see if excavated soil can be used to repair the dam wall of the lake and so reduce costs and the number of vehicle movements.

"We're sorry for the inconvenience to park users but the work is essential and the park will be restored and improved.

"We also plan to do some further landscaping to improve the park as well as work to improve the habitat for plants and wildlife."

A spokeswoman for Thames Water said: "Work is expected to commence in autumn 2008 and will be completed in autumn 2009. The scheme will help prevent pollution to the Stanford Brook and will prevent new developments in the area from being flooded.

"We have undertaken a number of environmental surveys at Broadfield Park to ensure the protection of trees and wildlife."

Campaigners will be holding a small protest on Friday at 10am outside Crawley Town Hall.

What do you think about the sewage scheme involving Broadfield Park?