Essential work to upgrade the water supply network in Wissett, near Halesworth, will get under way next week.

Essex and Suffolk Water is investing £290,000 to improve the drinking water supply network in the area by installing around 2.8km of new pipes.

The work will be carried out in two phases – the first from October 9 to December 15, with the second phase taking place from January 2 to February 6, 2018.

A road closure will be in place throughout the first phase of the scheme, on The Street from its junction with Lodge Lane, and Grays Lane will also be closed where it meets The Street.

In addition a closure will also be in place on a section of Rumburgh Road, and on Chediston Road where it meets Rumburgh Road. Diversion routes will be in place using The Street, Grub Lane, A144, Chediston Green, Lodge Lane and Red House Lane.

During the work there may be times when water supplies to properties on The Street are interrupted for a period of up to three hours. Residents will be given at least 48 hours notice when this is due to place.

Daren Still, project manager for Essex and Suffolk Water said: 'This project is part of our multi-million pound investment programme into the water infrastructure in the region. This upgrade work will help to reduce interruptions to supply for our customers and make sure we have secure and reliable supplies of water in future.'

'I'd like to apologise in advance for any disruption caused and to thank communities and our customers for the co-operation while we carry out this vital work.'

The installation will be carried out using a technique known as directional drilling, which Essex and Suffolk Water say will ensure any disruption is reduced to a minimum.

The company will on average invest £45m on essential improvements each year from 2015 to 2020 – a total of £225m over the five years.

Further updates on the progress of the works will be available on the Essex and Suffolk Water website at www.eswater.co.uk and through Twitter @eswater_care