ROAD works which saw a rural village near Winchester come to a standstill earlier this year have now been completed.

Southern Water’s mains replacement scheme restarted on April 6 after being suspended for several weeks as a result of the winter floods.

Works originally began in September but were suspended in February because of the waterlogged roads.

As reported earlier this year the works resulted in the closure of Main Road at various stages which caused severe traffic problems for the village and surrounding areas, including Bishop’s Waltham and Eastleigh.

Businesses along Church Lane, Brambridge and Fisher’s Pond reported revenue losses as passing trade decreased as a result of the road diversion and contractors Clancy Docwra reportedly received verbal abuse from road-users. On one occasion members of staff were forced to call the police and barricade the road.

Project manager Peter Simmons said: “I think we can all agree this project was a challenge and I’m delighted it has successfully completed.

“I’d like to thank customers, road users and local authorities for their patience and support. The benefits of the work – fewer leaks and bursts and a more reliable supply of tap water – will last long into the future.”

The 1.2km water main, which serves more than 8,000 homes, had burst nine times in five years, each time causing considerable disruption such as a loss of water supply and emergency road closures.