THE main route to Durham Cathedral is closed for the week for work to be carried out on water pipes.

Signs went up on a stretch of Saddler Street on Monday as contractors, who have been renewing water mains in the city for the last 18 months, turned their attention to the approach route to the cathedral and castle.

The section of Saddler Street from the Market Place to Magdalene Steps will remain closed until midnight next Tuesday.

Residents and businesses in the affected area have been warned to expect noise and disruption.

An alternative vehicle access, for authorised road users such as residents and traders at the top end of Saddler Street and on North and South Bailey, will be in use via Prebends Bridge.

The bridge will be open between 7.30am and 1am.

Although the main bulk of the work will be completed by next Tuesday, further temporary closures are planned from 10am on Sunday, February 2, until midnight on Monday, February 3, and between the same times on Sunday, February 9, and Monday, February 10, and Sunday, February 16, and Monday February 17.