A BUSY Tilehurst Road has been forced to close after the sewer underneath it collapsed this afternoon.

School Road has been shut between the junction with St Michael's Road and Westwood Road as the sewer six metres below the street collapsed in on itself.

Thames Water’s Bob Cunningham said: “It is essential work to prevent our customers suffering the misery of sewer flooding.

"We know this is a busy road, but we have no option but to close it on safety grounds due to the great depth of the sewer.

"We’re sorry for the disruption, and will do all we can to finish this complex repair as soon as possible."

Diversions for buses and traffic are in place whilst Thames Water carry out repairs.