RESIDENTS and traders are bracing themselves for disruption after it was announced the main road between Bridport and West Bay will be closed for almost two months.

Wessex Water is carrying out a major project to repair sewers, which means there has to be a lengthy road closure.

The section being worked on is between the Wanderwell junction and the Roundham Gardens junction.

And while residents will still be able to access properties there will be no through route for traffic from the Crown roundabout into West Bay. Instead traffic will be diverted onto the B3157 and Station Road.

The road closure will be in place from Monday, November 2 to Christmas Eve.

Wessex Water has placed information boards and has sent letters to residents directly affected by the works. It says a signed diversion route will be in place.

Dorset Council has been informed as the highway authority.

One resident who lives between Wanderwell and Roundham Gardens, said: “It’s quite short notice so I’m sure people will be upset. I haven't received any notification.

“It has to be managed properly, a lot of people use this route so it will be quite an inconvenience if the closure lasts for eight weeks."

Another resident said: “I'd imagine it will cause a fair bit of delay for drivers who use this route daily to get to work.

"It will be a slight nuisance for myself and other residents but it’s nothing too out of the ordinary. The road has been closed several times before.

“Once the council confirm I can get in and out of my drive I’ll be happy.”

Dan Walker, owner of Eypeleaze B&B in West Bay Road, said: “This has been an ongoing issue for many years. There is a failure in the sewage system which has lead to some awful smells coming from Wanderwell.

“I’m more than happy for them to carry these works out if it gets rid of the smell.

“It will be a minor inconvenience to those who use the road but it needs to be done.”

For further information about the work being undertaken and access arrangements call Wessex Water on 0345 600 4 600.

Information about the road closure and the diversion can be found at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadworks-events