A PROGRESS report on the replacement of Timberscombe’s water mains network has been given to villagers by Wessex Water.

Residents are experiencing nine months of disruption as the company upgrades the system with plastic pipes in a project expected to take until September to complete.

The work started in January and is being carried out in phases with a rolling programme of road closures.

Wessex Water is investing nearly £850,000 to replace pipes which have suffered a significant number of bursts and caused inconvenience and disruption to customers in the area. 

Project manager Egidijus Mockevicius said: “The scheme to install new plastic pipes will ensure improved water quality and a more reliable source for years to come.”

Mr Mockevicius said the first two phases of the project had ‘proceeded well’, with work taking place on the A396 Timberscombe bypass, Vicarage Court, and Bemberry Bank.

He said the next phase would see a road closure to through traffic at The Glebe and Forge Cottages between March 18 and April 22, although access would be maintained for residents and businesses.

Mr Mockevicius said: “There may be some noise disruption while this work is carried out but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

“We will continue to write to homes and businesses most immediately affected by future individual stages to remind them of the closures and measures in place, as well as any other information.

“We are also updating the parish council throughout the course of the project.”