Fears that a vital intersection in Ledbury would grind to a halt have been allayed after it emerged that the vital water mains responsible for the delay work would take less that half the amount of time first predicted.
The news that the Top Cross would only be closed for a maximum of four weeks came during talks between Ledbury Town Council and Welsh water recently.
Preparations for the work will begin on Monday December 29 with the repairs due to commence from Monday January 5 for a month.
Laing O’Rourke, which is due to undertake the repairs, will work 7 days a week for at least 10 hours per day to make sure the programme is kept to schedule.
Mayor of Ledbury Keith Francis said: “Laing O’Rourke need to have discussions with the transport officers at Hereford- shire Council and bus operators over bus routes; this will include journeys to school.
“Perhaps minibuses might be the answer as a temporary measure. Pedestrian access through Top Cross will be maintained and traders will be encouraged to let delivery drivers know of disruption, so deliveries can be staggered.
“There may be some disruption to water supply but the bigger disruption will be kept to night time.”
A further meeting is scheduled later this month to deal with signage.
The news comes as a great relief to residents and traders in the town who feared initially that routes to Malvern and Worcester would effectively be cut off.
In its Draft Business Plan announced last week, Welsh Water announced a capital investment programme of £1.5billion between 2010 and 2015 which is set to include improvements to water treatment at 26 sites, and on-going investment of £37 million to reduce the risk of repeat sewer flooding to properties.
Spokeswoman for Welsh Water Nicola Roberts said that formal plans were not available at present as they could be subject to change over the coming weeks.
“We are in discussions with traders and local residents at this stage,” she said.
