Island Roads says it hopes to finish the first stage of its work to upgrade York Avenue in East Cowes on time, despite damage to a water service pipe.

The contractor wrote to residents to warn it had been 'hindered by a combination of poor groundwork, shallow services and heavy showers,' after week one of the first phase of the project.

However, town councillors posted on social media to say a water pipe had been damaged - resulting in a call to Southern Water.

Island Roads told the County Press: "In the early stages of work an old, unused, but nevertheless ‘live,’ water service pipe was unfortunately damaged.

"We were, however, able to work elsewhere on the site while the leak was repaired.

"While this incident did cause a small delay, the main challenge on site - as stated - has been the depth of excavation required due to the ground conditions.

"As per our update to residents, we are still aiming to complete this phase, as scheduled, by March 23."

Island Roads has thanked people living nearby for their support and co-operation.

Teams are carrying out months of work on the main - and only - route into East Cowes.

Traffic is diverting via Beatrice Avenue.

Over four phases, around 3,000 square metres of road will be dug up - to a depth of over two feet.

Work will take around 64 days, with six nights (split into two phases) for reconstruction.

Resurfacing is currently scheduled for June 2 to 9, however it is hoped the road will be temporarily fully open for the May Bank Holiday.