Lane closures are set to start for works to install crash barriers along a reservoir in Hampton to cut the risk of cars careering into the water.

Thames Water will carry out the £2.1million project over 15 weeks to make Grand Junction Reservoir, in Hampton, safer for the public.

The utility firm will install 180 metres of barriers along the reservoir to slash the risk of vehicles or debris falling into it during an accident. It said the works will keep the reservoir safe for the public, prevent the water from being contaminated and guarantee its water supply for future generations.

According to crashmap.co.uk which records reports of crashes which involved an injury, there were 10 crashes on Upper Sunbury Road, which runs alongside the reservoir, in the five calendar years from 2019 to 2023.

One of those, in 2021, involved serious injuries, with two people from separate vehicles hurt.

A 2019 crash, which only caused slight injuries, appears to have seen the two vehicles involved leave the carriageway on the reservoir side.

Works are due to begin on Monday (7 July) and continue until late October. The westbound lane of Upper Sunbury Road, from Percy Road to Hampton Care Home, will shut over these 15 weeks for the works, with diversion routes in place. Access will be maintained for residents, businesses and emergency vehicles.

Thames Water apologised for the disruption that may be caused by the "crucial" project. The company said there may be more noise and traffic during the works, but it will install sound barriers where needed. The works will take place between 7.30am and 5pm, mainly on Mondays to Saturdays.

Roselyn Unegbu, Delivery Director at Thames Water, said: "Our purpose is to deliver life's essential service, so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive.

"Upgrading our infrastructure and assets is crucial to this and this project will mean improved security for our customers as we continue to deliver high-quality drinking water.

"We're sorry for the disruption that may be caused during the project and have worked with all stakeholders to minimise this, ensuring residents are able to continue with their daily activities as best as possible."

However, local residents have taken to social media to express their concerns about the closure.

"It's yet another example of total mismanagement and poor timing," said one resident.