A SCHEME to put Selby district's water mains on a firm footing for the future looks set to result in weeks of traffic misery for the residents of Brayton and Camblesforth.

Yorkshire Water said the second phase of its revamp of the water mains ring around Selby and surrounding villages would include relining the existing pipes beneath the A1041 Bawtry Road, between Brayton roundabout and Camblesforth.

Contractors started work on the £10 million project in December at the service reservoir at Brayton Barff. Work on A1041 Bawtry Road is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 5 and should be finished by May.

Ian Johnson, Yorkshire Water project manager, said: "By far the majority of the work will be on private land, but we cannot avoid working on or crossing roads in some areas and this is the longest section to affect the highway.

"To complete the work, we need to isolate, empty and then reline sections of the main one at a time.

"Unfortunately, we will need to use temporary lights to ensure the safety of the contractors from Balfour Beatty Utilities Ltd, who will be working on 400 metres of pipeline at a time."

He said a safety lane would be incorporated for cyclists and pedestrians, and access to junctions and driveways would be maintained during the work.

He said Yorkshire Water had been working with North Yorkshire County Council highways department to minimise the impact of the works.

Mr Johnson said: "The A1041 is a busy road and we still anticipate some delays and inconvenience for which we would like to apologise in advance.

"We accept no one likes having their daily routine disrupted, but we hope people will appreciate that the work we are doing is vital if the Selby area is to continue to enjoy the benefits of a clean and reliable water supply."

The ring main serves Selby, as well as Brayton, Barlby, Snaith, Goole, Knottingley, Ackworth, Pontefract and the northern part of Askern.

Mr Johnson said normal supplies should not be affected while the work was carried out.

He warned residents to be wary of strangers knocking on their doors claiming they need to come in.

He said genuine employees of both Yorkshire Water and Balfour Beatty Utilites Ltd would carry identity cards, which can be checked by phoning 0845 1242424.

"They won't mind waiting while their credentials are verified," he added.