The £8m scheme to reduce flooding in Kingston ran into a series of problems this week when contractors had to start emergency work to repair a collapsed sewer and a water leak.

The London Road flood relief scheme was started in October by Thames Water and on Sunday, January 18, there was a serious water leak in Park Road, at the junction with Kings Road, which caused delays until repair work was completed on Monday afternoon.

On Monday, Acre Road had to be closed between Richmond Park Road and Gibbon Road for work to complete a collapsed sewer.

Kingston Council said the work is programmed to last for 10 days and no delays are expected for motorists.

Further work started on the scheme on Tuesday as engineers start a three week programme of work on the main sewer in London Road at the junction with Station Road.

Kingston Council said two lanes of traffic will still be maintained past the works and drivers will be instructed to use the bus lane.