WORK to replace hundreds of metres of water main near Highcliffe is due to finish by the end of this month.

Bournemouth Water have been carrying out the work on The Runway, between Bure Lane and Highcliffe Road since December.

Engineering difficulties have delayed the project, with trenches built to access part of the 700metre main, some of which is more than 3.5metres underground.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth Water said: "This section of main has a history of frequent bursts, which causes disruption to customers and traffic.

“The scheme started in December 2016 and was due to take three months. However, we have encountered some engineering difficulties which have delayed this complex project – in places the existing main is over 3.5 metres underground and we’ve had to construct trench support to access it safely.

“While undertaking the work we have connected another 12-inch main to the new pipe to improve the network, which wasn’t part of the original scheme but will further improve resilience in the area.

“The work is now due to finish by March 31."