WATER main replacement works are due to start in Slade Green today (July 28).

The Victorian cast iron mains will be replaced with new plastic pipes that are more durable and flexible and less likely to leak or burst.

Work in North End Road is expected to last until November 28.

Thames Water project manager Steve Chapman said: "We are committed to reducing leakage and we can only achieve this by systematically replacing all of London's leakiest, cast iron pipes that date back as far as the Victorian era.

"Due to the scale of this work it won't happen overnight, but the benefits of the project are already evident with leakage now at its lowest ever rate.

"This is particularly important as London's water resources are being put under increasing pressure from the effects of climate change, population growth and rising demand for water.

"We're committed to replacing more than 1,000 miles of water mains by 2010.

"We appreciate that work of this nature does bring inevitable disruption, but this huge investment will bring benefits to the area for years to come, as we should not have to carry out repairs here in the future.

"To minimise disruption as much as possible, these works will be undertaken simultaneously with Southern Gas Networks works, to avoid the road being dug up twice. We are also working closely with Bexley Council to reduce the impact on traffic."

Anyone who wants more information about the works should call Thames Water on 08459 200800, quoting reference number BB765184.