UPGRADES to modernise Malmesbury’s ageing sewers are due to start on Monday August 4.

Wessex water will be working in Bristol street to reline the sewers which are now in poor condition and in need of immediate repair.

The work is expected to take three weeks to complete and has been scheduled following a recent survey undertaken in the town to assess the need for repairs.

Project manager for the scheme Leanne Ford said “This work is essential to ensure we bring the sewers up to modern standards.

“We would like to thank people in advance for their patience and cooperation while we carry out this essential work.”

Engineers will insert a plastic liner into the sewer system using manholes and create a new wall inside the pipes by setting it in place with hot water, eliminating the need to dig up the road.

During the works a section of Bristol Street, from the junction with Bremilham Road to the junction with West Street will be closed with diversions clearly signed.

Wessex Water is currently in correspondence with Wiltshire Council to arrange for recycling trucks to have access to the road while they carry out their work and are waiting for a final response.

Malmesbury Mayor Cllr Sue Poole explained that the works were much needed and that the condition of the sewers has been known about by the council for the last eight months.

She praised Wessex Water for their cooperation with the council, saying that they have listened to all of their requests for works to be carried out after WOMAD and during the school holidays in order to keep the town running as smoothly as possible.

Cllr Poole said “The town council have worked hard with Wiltshire council and the highways people to put in place the very best plan we can to reduce the disruption as best as possible.

“It’s going to be inconvenient but it would be far more inconvenient if the sewer did collapse.”

Cllr Poole acknowledged that the works were essential and summed up by saying “If we’ve got to have it done we’ve got to have it done. “

Diversions for traffic during works will be as follows:

For Eastbound Traffic (into Malmesbury town centre): Parklands, Old Alexander Road, Park Road, Gloucester Road

For Westbound Traffic (towards Sherston): Gloucester Road, Park Road, Old Alexander Road, Alexander Road, Corn Gastons.