Roadworks on Weymouth Street will remain in place until July after delays to the completion of a sewer improvement project.
The project, led by Wessex Water, began in August and was originally due to be completed by the end of March. It involves the construction of a storage tank designed to hold more than 400,000 litres of excess water from sewers during heavy storms.
The ongoing works, which include a lane closure, have frequently caused disruption for drivers leaving Morrisons and pedestrians heading towards the Lake Pleasure Grounds.
Wessex Water has now confirmed that the roadworks will continue into summer, citing difficult ground conditions as the main reason for the delay. While excavating the shaft for the tank, the team encountered significant groundwater entering the site, requiring pumps and generators to remove it before work could resume.
With a solution now in place to prevent further water ingress, excavation and construction have restarted.
A Wessex Water spokesperson said, “We thank the people of Warminster for their patience. I can only apologise for the inconvenience caused. We are doing everything within our power to complete the project as quickly as possible.
“The £2 million project, which began last August, will play a crucial role in reducing occasions when heavy rain overwhelms the town’s sewer system and causes storm overflows to operate automatically.”
Nick Pitcher, owner of the Prestbury Sports Bar near Weymouth Street, said while the wider project is ‘worthwhile’, some residents are getting frustrated at the time taken to complete the work.
He said, “I very much appreciate the work by Wessex Water because, in the long run, it’s great for the town that overflow is going to be held in the tank. It’s just a shame that it has dragged on so long, because there is an inconvenience for the town, especially for people shopping at Morrisons who have to take longer routes around it.
“Luckily it doesn’t affect us at the bar too much, as most of our customers walk here.”
Representatives from Wessex Water and Warminster Town Council met at the end of March to discuss the delay to the completion of the sewer improvement project. The conversation followed a request from town council members for further clarity about the roadworks.
In the coming months, the northbound single lane closure for through traffic will remain in operation on Weymouth Street at the Morrison’s Petrol Station roundabout with a diversion in place. Meanwhile access down Weymouth Street for southbound through traffic from the B3414 will be maintained.
Wessex Water say they are confident that the new end date in July for work will be met. If any residents have questions, a community drop-in session will take place at Warminster Library – Three Horseshoes Walk, Warminster BA12 9BT – on Monday 19th May.
Pictured: The roadworks on Weymouth Street have been in place since August
