Work is to start on a scheme to repair the surface water drainage network in Cowes town centre.

The work by Island Roads under the Highways PFI begins tonight (Monday Feb 9) and is scheduled to last for up to three weeks.

In order to minimise disruption in what is a busy area – between Town Quay and the Carvel Lane/High Street junction – the work is being carried out overnight between 7pm and 5am Monday to Thursday. The more noisy elements of the work such as the use of compressors will be undertaken between 7-11pm.

The work has been programmed outside of the main holiday season. Under the scheme, sections of the surface water drainage system that have been damaged over many years – and in some cases subjected to some temporary repairs– will be replaced.

Though the scheme is not designed to address the causes of tidal flooding (which is outside the scope of the Highways PFI) the work should increase the capacity of the highway drainage system to enable it to cope with greater volumes of rainwater.

Scheme engineer Garry Stretch said: “Given the nature of the work and this busy location, it is inevitable there will be some disruption for which we apologise in advance. We have however timed the project for February when the town is probably at its quietest while the work will also be undertaken outside of business and commuting hours when the road is in less use.

“We will also be working as hard as we can to ensure the work is completed to schedule and indeed ahead of schedule if at all possible.”