Construction work on a collapsed sewer - which will close a busy Oxford city centre street - is due to start in a fortnight's time.

The start date of April 30 for work by Thames Water in George Street has now been agreed, following consultation with Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council and Thames Valley Police.

Roadworks for Thames Water in Botley Road to replace a water main has started but the majority of the work has now been postponed until July 23, so that it does not clash with the George Street repairs.

The George Street repairs could take up to 11 weeks and, when the road closes on April 30, there will be some disruption, with Buses re-routed.

Buses travelling from the south to the north will be re-routed through a gap leading from George Street to Worcester Street, currently only used by cyclists.

Buses travelling north to south across the city will access Gloucester Green bus station via a temporary one-way system along Gloucester Street, and a small section of George Street.

Preliminary work is already under way in George Street and Gloucester Street.

Kevin Haines, group manager for highway management at Oxfordshire County Council, said it was important for Thames Water staff to finish work as soon as possible, because work was due to start in June on improvements for Cornmarket Street.