"FAR too many pedestrians stepping over the tape and walking in the area" has caused a daytime road resurfacing project to be switched to the night shift.

Road works along Shaftesbury's High Street this week were originally planned as night work, but Dorset Council altered the scheme's hours to minimise disruption.

In response to the operation on Monday and Tuesday however, the authority said "there has been far too many pedestrians stepping over the tape and walking in the works area – putting themselves and our workforce at risk of injury".

As a result, the resurfacing work will now be completed overnight.

The first day of the road works had already received media attention, as damages to a pipe had caused a leak in the High Street.

In response to this a Wessex Water spokesperson said: “We were called to repair a large leak in High Street, which we believe was caused by third-party damage to our pipework.

“Repairs were completed [Monday] evening and customers’ water supplies were not affected.”

Last night the Coppice Street surface was removed, from High Street to the football club.

Tonight, January 28, from 7pm to 6am, the surface on Salisbury Road will be removed, from High Street to Abbey View Medical Centre.

From 7pm Friday until 6am Saturday the new surface will be laid on Coppice Street, and from 7pm Saturday to 6am Sunday, a new surface will be laid on Salisbury Road.