The date when a Swindon town’s high street can expect to reopen has been released by the local council, after the surface was damaged by a burst water pipe.

Cricklade’s High Street has been closed since August 7 after a Thames Water pipe burst, flooding and cracking the street.

Cricklade Town Council says Thames Water expect to begin the road repair today, August 9, and is “hoping” to reopen the High Street “sometime on Saturday”, August 10.(Image: Cricklade Town Council)

Workers are said to have assessed the sub-road base and concluded the damage is not as bad as first feared. This is despite the road surface being visibly cracked.

The council previously shared that Thames Water had completed the pipe repair but further work was needed to fix the road.(Image: Dave Cox)

Some residents have complained about the lengthy diversion put in place, which takes an estimated 20 minutes to drive.(Image: Shaun Lee)

However, another more direct route via Cricklade’s Bath Road has been deemed unsuitable as a diversion by Wiltshire Council.

The town council asked: “Please respect the road closure it is there for a reason and drivers and motorcyclists have been observed driving on the path which is a motoring offence. 

“Wiltshire Police are aware and monitoring the situation.”