Drivers travelling on the South Circular can expect major delays for the next week after a collapsed sewer needed emergency repairs.

The southbound route of Mortlake Road A205, which heads from Kew toward North Sheen, has been closed since December 27 so Thames Water can carry out repairs to a collapsed sewer 4.5m down.

A Thames Water spokesman said: “Unfortunately the southbound lane has to remain closed until this essential work is finished, which we expect to be January 10.

“We will then move on to fix further damage to the sewer under the grass verge, but this will have no impact on road users.

“We’re sorry for any disruption caused, but this work is essential to prevent customers in the area suffering the misery of sewer flooding.”