A PROJECT to repair ageing sewer pipes in Burnham-on-Sea will be completed six weeks ahead of its original schedule. 

Work is set to start on a section of Berrow Road (B3140) in early January to upgrade the sewers. 

The essential repair work was originally scheduled to end in April, but Wessex Water has scaled back its timeframe and is committed to completing the work before the school holidays in mid-February.

A section of Berrow Road will be closed to through traffic while the work is being completed, but Wessex Water says it will "use the latest repair techniques" to reduce disruption.

The company says it will employ new technology to speed up the scheme and work with Somerset County Council to reduce disruption to residents and the tourism industry. 

A spokesperson for Wessex Water said: "This is essential work to prolong the life of the sewer, protect the environment and prevent loss of service for residents. 

"A section of Berrow Road was being closed to through traffic until early April so this work could be completed safely, but we were also conscious of the further impact on a tourism sector that has already faced huge challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"Working with them and Somerset County Council Highways, we have reviewed the programme and how we can use the latest repair techniques to reduce the time it takes by half and keep any disruption to the local community to a minimum. 

"Access will be maintained for residents and businesses and most of the repairs will be done using 'no-dig' techniques, which are quicker and less intrusive than replacing pipework in the conventional manner. 

"We’re sorry for any inconvenience that may be caused by this essential work."

Wessex Water has previously said the sewage pipes are "at risk of collapsing".  

The road closure will divert traffic via East Brent. 

Wessex Water will provide a bus to Berrow C of E Primary School to transport children from south of the closure using the diversion route.  

The company is also working with the owners of nearby caravan parks to ensure the scheduled arrival of motorhomes can continue despite the road closure.

More details about the diversions in place for the Berrow Road project are available at www.travelsomerset.co.uk.