Wessex Water attempt to allay concerns over Bargates closure

Bargates will be shut off to through traffic heading into Christchurch from Tuesday, January 25, to repair a collapsed sewer.

Wessex Water will require a one-way closure of the road while the work takes place near Fountain roundabout.

The company said due to the "substantial nature" of the project, with the sewer more than five metres below ground, until the expected finish date of Friday, April 22.

As reported, businesses in Bargates have spoken out with fears over the impact the works would have on their trade.

• Read more: Business ownbers speak out over closure of Bargates

Gary Adams, owner of Castles Home Hardware, said his company would be "finished" if the road was shut for three months.

Castles Home Hardware in Bargates

Southern Domestic Appliances owner Jason Hemmings said businesses will be hit financially by reduced footfall.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “We know there has been concern around the scope of this work on the collapsed sewer from both businesses and residents and we want to reassure them that while this is a significant repair, every effort has been made to minimise the impacts on them as much as possible.

“Local people and businesses have been informed about the work that needs to be carried out and they, their customers and deliveries will still have access throughout the repair.

“Bargates can still be accessed from the Fountain roundabout heading away from the town centre in the south with a diversion in place from the junction of Stour Road in the north for the one-lane closure.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by the road closure but it is necessary to ensure this work can be carried out to the collapsed sewer safely and we’ll be working hard to complete this work as quickly as possible.’’

Bargates in Christchurch town centre

A diversion from the junction of Stour Road at the northern end of Bargates, will be in place via Stour Road and Barrack Road.

Wessex Water has said a banksman will be in place between 7am to 7pm to offer help and guidance to road users, while signs will also be put up to explain that businesses on the road remain open as usual.

• Read more: Dates for A31 roadworks in January 2022

Access will be maintained for business customers and deliveries on the road as well as residents, although they will not be able to exit onto the Fountain roundabout from Bargates due to the work taking place.

Those heading away from the town centre will still be able to access Bargates from Fountain Roundabout, while the on-street parking further up the road will be unaffected by the repairs.

Wessex Water initially carried out an emergency repair on the collapsed sewer in November and December, laying temporary pipework to ensure sewerage services were maintained for residents and businesses on the road.