A NEW project to upgrade a key section of the water network in Bloxham is 'well underway'.

Thames Water engineers are on site in Milton Road for the 14-week scheme, which will see old cast iron pipes replaced with tougher and stronger plastic pipes that are less prone to leaks and bursts.

The project, which will cost £640,000, is a crucial part of Thames Water's mains replacement programme in the Thames Valley in its ongoing effort to reduce leakage and interruptions to water supply.

Thames Water project manager Jon Wickens said: "We’ve closed Milton Road to start work on the next phase of our mains replacement programme.

"Although we appreciate our work will cause some delays, feedback from our customers is they want to see us investing money and upgrading our ageing network of pipes to reduce leaks and bursts.

"They want reliable water supplies that are fit for the future, so it’s vital we replace the old pipes."

The road is closed from the junction with Barford Road to Collins Drive, with a traffic management scheme and diversions in place.

The company said it is a 'complicated job' for engineers, which is the cause of the work closure.

But engineers chose to start the work during the school summer holidays in the hope of causing less disruption.

Thames Water is working with businesses that have been affected by the roadworks to try and minimise the impact.

It has also worked with the local authority where the road closure and diversions are concerned.

Several ‘business open as usual’ signs have also been strategically placed in the area of the roadworks to inform members of the public that businesses remain trading.

There are also road closures on A41 Kingswood due to roadworks and barrier repairs, alongside temporary traffic lights in Bloxham Road, due to the home development.

It is expected that the water works will be completed by the first week of November.