WORK to boost the power supply to Alton residents will enter its final phase this week.

The first phase of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) £1.3 million upgrade project was completed in November with the next stage put on hold to avoid causing disruption around Christmas.

The remainder of the works began on Monday (January 27) and will cost more than £600,000. The firm said it wants to build and maintain a “resilient electricity supply fit for the future of the busy market town”.

The majority of the project will take place in the High Street, Turk Street and Market Street and should be finished by late April.

Project manager Richard Clark said: “As with the initial stage of these works, SSEN took the needs of Alton’s local residents and businesses into account and carefully considered a plan that would minimise any possible disruption to the town.

“This final phase will also work to accommodate local requirements to bring about the successful completion of this significant investment in Alton, to support a robust power supply for those living and working here.

“I want to thank local residents for their patience as we complete these essential works.”

Network “reliability” was said to be a “key priority” for the supplier and its customers.

Following a series of engagements with residents, bosses took the decision to “further improve network resilience” and “future-proof its infrastructure for customers’ changing demands” in the town.

While the firm does not anticipate any interruptions to the power supply during the works, it is aware people can feel “vulnerable” when their electricity goes off, especially during severe weather.

Customers can join the priority services register if they are over 60, deaf, blind, disabled, live with a child under five, have a chronic illness or rely on medical equipment.

Those registered will receive extra support during power outages.