Stagecoach has confirmed its route 65 bus will not serve West Street in Farnham for “at least” 12 weeks starting from Monday (January 23) because of the closure of the road for South East Water’s water main installation works.

The project, which is set to last for around six months, involves the laying of a new 2km-long water main along West Street. South East Water hopes this will strengthen the water network and reduce the risk of supply interruptions caused by an increase in population in the area.

The pipe route will be split into three phases. The first, which got under way on January 9, will see pipe installed along West Street from a point close to Old Town Mews towards the A31 Alton Road.

A rolling road closure will be in place from January 23 until late April, severing the link from the Coxbridge roundabout into the town centre.

Once work approaches Coxbridge Farm the pipe will be diverted through private land towards Runwick Lane. This will be the second phase of the project and will run between late April and mid-June.

The third and final phase will involve the pipe crossing the Farnham-bound lane on the A31 Alton Road. Runwick Lane will be closed for three weeks while a series of lane closures will be in place along the A31 Alton Road.

Stagecoach has confirmed the closure of West Street to through traffic means the bus stops at Coxbridge Farm, The Chantrys, Mead Lane and The Hart/Downing Street will not be served. Commuters are advised to use the bus stops in Farnham town centre at The Borough (towards Guildford) and East Street or South Street (towards Alton) if possible.

Towards Alton, route 65 will divert from East Street via South Street (serving Stop K at Sainsbury’s) and the A31 Farnham bypass.

Towards Guildford, route 65 will divert from Coxbridge via the A31 Farnham bypass, South Street, Union Road and Downing Street, to rejoin the normal route at The Borough.