WORKS are due to start today on a rural Winchester through-road to replace a Victorian water main.

Southern Water will continue works to replace the 1.2km infrastructure with more durable pipe work causing part of Chilbolton to be closed.

A diversion route will be in place to redirect traffic from Coley Lane, which closes today.

The repair work is expected to take up to eight weeks.

Project manager Peter Simmons said: “We appreciate that this road closure will cause some disruption to motorists but this essential work will bring a much more reliable supply of water to customers living within the area.

“We will do everything we can to complete the project as quickly as possible and thank people for their patience while it’s under way.”