BARGATES in Christchurch is to be closed for another week due to maintenance work by CityFibre.

Road closures were first put in place on Monday September 7 for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to repair a leaking mains cable.

However, after finding “further unreported damage”, an extension of two weeks was put in place on Monday September 28 with the road expected to be open again on Monday October 12.

Although Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are due to complete their work on Monday, the road will still be closed until Monday October 19 due to maintenance work by CityFibre.

A Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) spokesperson said: “We would like to thank our customers for their patience as our engineers work to repair damaged infrastructure in Bargates.

“Upon initiating the repair works, further unreported damage was discovered, and the duration of the works was extended to protect the electricity supply of 20,000 homes and businesses in the area.

“SSEN coordinated the extension with the council and other utilities, including City Fibre, so other maintenance works could be undertaken concurrently to minimise future disruption for local residents.”

“Providing no further damage is discovered, SSEN’s works will be completed in the next three days. City Fibre will then take control of the site to lay their own cables before reinstating and fully reopening the road.”

Yellow Buses have announced that their services will continue to run of their current diverted routes until the road reopens.