Drivers face 17-mile diversion as water pipes are repaired near Ludlow

A small stretch of Whitcliffe Road just outside the town centre will be closed for between 10 and 14 days from September 29.

Severn Trent bosses said it was a case of "short term pain for long term gain" as it was revealed the work would hopefully fix problems residents were having with water bursts near the work site.

Carl Billings, business manager for Severn Trent, said because the section of road was so narrow there was no other option but to close it.

"We have to consider the health and safety of our workers," he said.

"It is a lengthy diversion. It has been put in place by the local authority rather than ourselves but, with the river where it is, there really is not any other option.

"Local drivers may be aware of short cuts or quicker routes down backroads, but this is the route along main roads that will be signposted for the benefit of bigger vehicles such as HGVs.

"We hope to be finished before the time estimate and we will of course strive to keep inconvenience to a minimum.

"We will fix the problems residents have been having and they will see an improvement, so it will very much be a case of short term pain for long term gain."

Residents were given the chance to see the plans in detail at a drop-in event held at Wigmore Village Hall, near Ludlow, from 4pm to 7pm last night.

The work will see 100 metres of Whitcliffe Road, between Severn Trent Coppice Reservoir and North Farm, closed.

Diversions will travel through Ludlow on the A49 to Leintwardine, and from the village of Wigmore, on to Killhorse Lane.

Ruth Farrell, programme manager for Severn Trent Water, said a few burst pipes had led to interruptions to the water supply in Ludlow.

She said: "We'd like to say sorry to anyone that was affected by this and reassure our customers that we're always working to improve our service.

"We've been looking at our network of pipes that supply the Ludlow area, and we've found that if we put in a new pipe to connect two existing pipes this will allow us to move water around the area in the event of any future problems."

Severn Trent said it was not anticipated the work would affect any customer water supply.