STOURPORT will be the scene of further traffic disruption following the announcement that Mitton Street is to be closed over two consecutive weekends.

The closures are taking place to enable Severn Trent Water to safely complete some vital water mains replacement work.

Fraser Pithie, senior operations manager, Severn Trent, said the closures were not originally planned as part of the work in the area, but had become necessary to ensure the safety of pedestrians, workers and passing traffic.

He explained: “The final stage of the water mains work we’re doing here has become more difficult as a result of unforeseen circumstances, coupled with the proximity of other underground utility and cable services.

“The only way we can complete the work safely is by closing the road completely on two consecutive weekends, and we’ve agreed this approach is the best way forward after consulting with both Worcestershire County Council Highways Authority and West Mercia Police.”

The result of these discussions and site visits means that Mitton Street will be completely closed (except to emergency vehicles) between Worcester Road and Lion Hill, between 6am on Saturday and 6am on Monday and again, between 6am on Saturday, November 7 and 6am on Monday, November 9.

Mr Pithie said: “We realise this will inconvenience people in the short term, and we’d like to apologise for that.

“However, we have tried to limit the impact of the disruption by concentrating the work into two short-duration road closures.”

Local / light traffic will be able to use Lombard Street to travel towards Great Witley, and diversions routes will be clearly signposted.

Mr Pithie said: “We’ll also make sure that we don’t cause any disruption to the planned Remembrance Day parade on the second weekend.”

The water mains work is being carried out on Severn Trent’s behalf by Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions.