FIRST the pain, but then the gain.

Contractors have started work on building a new electricity sub-station in Winchester city centre.

The work is likely to cause disruption to motorists but the end result should reduce power cuts, says Scottish and Southern Electric.

Work is being done overnight, from 7pm to 5am six days a week, starting on Tuesday February 8 and expected to last eight weeks.

During the work Jewry Street will be closed to traffic but pedestrian access will be maintained.

The work is in two phases, the first lasting three weeks, will see teams laying new underground cable from Tower Street, down Jewry Street towards St Peter's Church.

The second phase will begin on the opposite side of Jewry Street outside St Peter's Church, heading towards The Old Goalhouse and take about five weeks.

Soundproof barriers will reduce noise pollution, said a letter to local residents.

Winchester MP Steve Brine, who has taken an interest in power supply, said: "Concerns around power supply in this part of town have plagued businesses for many years so I've been clear with SSE we need robust action, and investment, to safeguard the supply. It's taken a while, and there will be some real disruption while the work is carried out, but this is welcome and will make a tangible difference."