VILLAGERS are bracing themselves for the worst of sewer works which will close off the only road to their homes and pub.

Work is running behind schedule and all vehicle access to North Hinksey Village, including The Fishes pub, is expected to be cut off by the work from Monday, March 26.

The daily closure times have also been extended.

North Hinksey Lane is being shut piece by piece by a rolling road closure while Thames Water carries out the next stage of its £7m flood alleviation scheme.

Last month the pub said the road closure could cost it £1,000 a day.

Helen Sprason, Oxford manager for owners Peach Pub Company, said the contractors Optimise had told her the road to the village could be shut off for just four days.

She said: “They are trying to get it done in four days. So it will be four days of pain.”

Thames Water has also agreed not to work weekends so people can get to the pub, and rugby and tennis clubs.

But the road will now be shut from 8.30am to 8.30pm, instead of 8am to 5pm, until work in the village is complete.

The rolling road block started by Oxford Rugby Club on March 1.

Work has already cut access to about half the 100 residents’ homes and a temporary gravel car park for about 20 cars has been set up opposite the church.

In a letter to locals Rachel Groves, of Thames Water, said the work was behind schedule, but it hoped to finish by the Easter holidays.

She said: “We are not progressing as quickly as we would like due to the number of other utility services in the ground where we are laying the new sewer.”

Villager Dr Chris Sugden, 53, said communication with residents had been poor and a temporary access road should have been created.

Briony Newport, a North Hinksey parish councillor who lives in Stanley Close, said flood problems had blighted the area for 30 years, adding: “Most locals will be glad to see the sewerage system finally sorted and expect some upheavals.”

Eric Batts, Vale of White Horse District Council member for North Hinksey and Wytham, added: “The contractors are doing all they can.”