A historic Suffolk town faces disruption while a key road is closed for drainage investigation works to take place.

In Clare, Bridewell Street, the main road into the town from the north, and Callis Street will be closed from Monday, January 14, so Suffolk County Council Highways can try and flush out the drainage system and see if any further works are needed.

The closure is scheduled for five days, during the hours of 9am to 3.30pm, and will see Bridewell Street shut from its junction with Callis Street until Hermitage Meadow. The full length of Callis Street will be closed.

Parked vehicles will have to be moved from around the location of the gullies to allow access and safe working.

A lengthy diversion via Stoke Road, A1092, A1017, B1061 Sturmer Road, A143, The Street B1063 and vice versa will be in place.

Clare Town Council chairman Paul Bishop said the major drainage works were “necessary”, but added he hoped the disruption would be kept to a minimum.

He said: “We have had meetings with Clare Council over the past months looking at ways to mitigate the disruption; that’s about shortening it as much as possible and proper signage.”

He added while the official diversion was long, locals would know quicker routes.

Suffolk Highways said: “Access to properties and businesses within the site will be available. If required, please approach a member of staff who will provide access as soon as it is safe to do so.

“|Access for emergency services will be maintained at all times.

“These temporary traffic management measures are required to allow the works to be carried out safely and in accordance with current health and safety guidelines.”

The highways department said the times and dates of the work may change depending on weather conditions, and if they did the signs would be updated on site.

In 2015 Cavendish Road in Clare was closed for weeks while gas works were carried out by National Grid.

Anyone who has questions about the drainage works should call 0345 606 6171.