RESIDENTS and motorists in Hawkley and Liss will now be able to use Hawkley Road while South East Water works to upgrade an old water pipe, thanks to temporary traffic lights.

Work had been due to begin on a scheme to lay a new pipeline along Hawkley Road on Monday, January 9, under a road closure.

But due to concerns over the proposed diversion route and to minimise disruption to residents and businesses, the work will now be carried out under temporary traffic lights for the duration of the scheme.

This work will now start next Monday (January 23) and take approximately two months to complete.

South East Water project manager Jeremy Dufour said: “We know roadworks can be frustrating for motorists and the local community. Following concerns over the proposed diversion route for the duration of the scheme, we have been working closely with the parish council and highways team.

“To minimise disruption as much as we can while we carry out this important work, traffic lights will now be in operation to keep traffic flowing and not a road closure as first anticipated.

“I would like to apologise for the change in our start date for this scheme but hope motorists and the local community understand the long-term benefits this scheme will deliver.”

Liss Parish Council chairman Keith Budden is pleased with the new solution.

Cllr Budden said: “This is a much more welcome solution. The pipeline still needs replacing, so this is the best solution all round.

“This causes much less of a problem and is good news for the Hawkley Inn and other trade using the road. It is much more practical now. I hope we get good weather to keep the work on time.”