THE A40 at Witney will be closed for two days in March to refurbish the town’s electricity supply.

Southern Electric will carry out the work, between the A415 and the B4022, from 10pm to 6am on March 3 and 4.

The work will install ‘switching’ gear, which will allow electricity supplies in Witney to be restored far quicker in the event of interruptions.

Eastbound traffic will be diverted through Witney, along Ducklington Lane, Burford Road, Bridge Street and Oxford Hill and vice versa for westbound traffic.

Community leaders have welcomed the plan and said disruptions will be minimal.

Witney mayor Harry Eaglestone said: “We’ve got a new estate going up and that’s going to take on a lot more power into the area, so this is necessary work.

“If the A40 has to be closed to do the work, it has to be closed. It is only for two evenings and the work will be carried out at night.”

Southern Electric spokesman Greg Clarke said the road had to be closed to allow the work to be completed safely.

He said: “We are committed to working closely with the police and local authority to plan our work so that it causes the minimum amount of disruption to residents and road users. We would like to thank the local community for their patience while we carry out this essential work.”