THE main road through Wroxall will close on Monday — for ten weeks.

It is for essential gas works by gas distribution company SGN.

St John's Road is set to be closed from Monday, January 18, to Monday, March 29, from Grove Road towards Whiteley Bank.

It will require lengthy diversions via Shanklin or Whitwell for those who would otherwise drive through the village.

However, Whitwell's Southford Lane will also be closed, for one day, at some point between next Monday and Wednesday.

The Isle of Wight Council is reassuring Wroxall residents that recycling and waste collections will continue throughout the works, despite the extra travel time that will be required for collection vehicles.

Cabinet member for environment, heritage and waste management, Cllr Steve Hastings, said: "We've been looking at how to best deal with this road closure, and I am pleased to say that we will be able to maintain our usual service for collection of recycling and waste from Wroxall.

"Collections might not always be at the same time as before, so I'd like to remind everyone to leave their recycling and waste out before 7am on collection day, to be sure our crews will take it."

Cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, Cllr Ian Ward, said the need for a major road closure was to ensure Wroxall continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.