NEARLY 30 weeks of disruption lies ahead for motorists and residents in Stoke Prior as part of a multi-million pound water mains replacement project across the Midlands.

Severn Trent Water is in its final phase of the scheme, which will be taking place in and around Shaw Lane.

During the weeks ahead parts of Shaw Lane will be closed, there will be traffic lights and residents and businesses will have their water supply interrupted.

Ian Collins, for Severn Trent Water, said: “I’d like to thank customers in Stoke Prior for their patience so far and ask them to bear with us while we complete the final stages of the project in Shaw Lane.”

The work in Shaw Lane, which started last Thursday for six weeks, will involve work at the junction of Ryfields Road and Weston Hall Road.

On Monday, September 22, work will start further down Shaw Lane between the junction of Weston Hall Road and Causeway Meadow Barn, just beyond the Bowling Green pub, for approximately 23 weeks.

Mr Collins added: “As we work along Shaw Lane, mains replacement work will also be completed in Greenside, Astwood Close, Sagebury Drive and Verbena Close. To enable us to carry out this work safely and efficiently, we’ll have to close parts of Shaw Lane.

“However, in order to minimise disruption and inconvenience, the road closure will be rolling, which means that it will move along as we work along each section of road. Access will be maintained for businesses and residents, although it will be a no-through road for the duration of the work.”

Customers who experience interruptions to their water supply will be warned at least seven days ahead and residential customers at least 48 hours before any interruptions take place.

Mr Collins added: “This work, although disruptive in the short term, is absolutely vital in making sure that water supplies to our customers in Stoke Prior are protected from the risk of interruption caused by bursts or leaks. It is also part of Severn Trent’s on-going commitment to drive down leakage and modernise our network of pipes. We are spending more than £2.5 million each working day across the Midlands, improving our service.”