PART of Southampton city centre is being dug up to “stabilise” a road.

West Marlands Road, which runs through Guildhall Square outside of the O2 Guildhall Southampton, has been closed at one end and part of it has been fenced off as major repaving works take place.

Guildhall Square had seen a major £4.6million revamp that scooped design awards after being completed in 2010.

But last year, Kay Russell was hurt after being thrown from her bicycle when she was cycling near Guildhall Square in Above Bar Street.

The 65-year-old grandmother from Ocean Village was hurt after she hit a lifted kerb, just yards away from where the roadworks are currently taking place.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council said: “The works in West Marlands Road and Guildhall Square are being carried out to stabilise some areas that have settled since construction over five years ago.

“These are paving slab failures which have been exacerbated by the vehicle use across this area.

“The repairs will ensure that this area of Guildhall Square and West Marlands Road is able to cope with the essential lorry and car traffic that uses this route, including access to and from the Civic Centre.

“The current work is relaying the whole stretch of West Marlands Road as it passes through the Square and includes permanent repair works to a few areas that had emergency slab repairs carried out over the past 12 months.

“The permanent repairs will also extend into Guildhall Square (towards the Guildhall) where there has been further slab damage from vehicle movements.

“Previously, temporary repairs have been made to the slabs where we have identified safety risks. The works being carried out are designed to eliminate the need to make this type of repair in future.”

The work is expected to be completed by the end of February, weather permitting.