WORK is under way to lay an overland pipe so emergency sewerage repairs can be carried out.

The pipeline will run from Boscombe Chine Gardens, via Boscombe Overcliff, to Fisherman’s Walk, near Montague Road.

Wessex Water was initially planning to run the pipe along the Boscombe Promemade, but following discussions with the council the route was changed due to other engineering work planned in the area.

From Monday, December 5, the first sections of overland pipe will be laid from Fisherman’s Walk and via Boscombe Overcliff. Later next week Wessex Water will also start laying pipework in the Boscombe Chine Gardens area.

The overland pipe will allow repairs to be carried out to the Bournemouth coastal interceptor sewer, which lies 18 metres below ground and takes flows to Holdenhurst sewage treatment works.

Chief operating officer James Rider said: "It is essential we lay this overland pipe so we can maintain sewerage services in the area while repairs are carried out to the large sewer.

"We have chosen a route for the pipeline that causes least disruption, but we appreciate that there may be some inconvenience to local people for which we apologise."

Wessex Water said the overland pipe would be in place until Spring next year.

Work will then start on repairing a collapsed lesser sewer in Percy Road, which remains closed.

While the overland pipe is being laid, the car park between Sea Road and The Marina in Boscombe will be closed so materials can be stored. The car park will re-open by Christmas.

Traffic lights will be in place along Sea Road, but Sea Road will remain open at all times. Later this month the Marina will be temporarily closed to all traffic, but a diversion will be in place.

Access to Boscombe Pier and the promenade will be maintained throughout the work, however some footpaths may be temporarily closed while the overland pipe is being laid.