Due to a collapsed sewer pipe near Kew Green part of Kew Road will be closed so that Thames Water can carry out emergency sewer repairs.

Part of the road northbound from outside the Botanist Pub by Kew Green to Kew Bridge will be closed for up to five days from Tuesday, August 27.

Currently properties in the area are at high risk of flooding with raw sewage and therefore over the bank holiday weekend, Thames Water will continue to temporarily pump away the sewage.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “This is an important job that cannot wait. Any delays in fixing this could see sewage backing up across roads and into homes.

“We will be working around the clock to get this done as quickly as possible.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and have been working with the local council to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Engineers will work 24 hours a day and use quick-drying cement to complete the work at the junction of Mortlake Road and Kew Road before school terms begin but noise levels will be monitored during night time operations.

Diversions will be in place and two-way temporary traffic lights will be in operated manually to help keep traffic moving.

Kew Road southbound will be unaffected, diversions will be in place and signage will be displayed. Access will still be available from the south side (Richmond Circus), up to Kew Gardens. Delays are likely and therefore drivers are encouraged to seek an alternative route.

Members of the public should call the Council’s contact centre for more information by phoning 08456 122660.