M4 to shut for repairs to storm-hit electricity pylon

A stretch of the M4 is due to close while electricity equipment damaged in winter storms is repaired.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said a tree fell on to an electricity tower in Winnersh near Reading in February.

A replacement pylon was built in July with work to restring the tower with high voltage cables set to be carried out from Friday night.

SSEN described the operation as a "delicate, precise task" which needed the motorway to be closed.

The motorway is due to close between junctions 10 for Winnersh and 11 for Reading from 21:00 BST until 06:00 on Monday.

Traffic will be diverted in both directions via the A329M, Winnersh Triangle, Showcase roundabout, Lower Earley Way and B3270.

Hatch Farm Way in Winnersh will also be closed as it runs beside the M4 at the point where the new wires are being suspended.

Reading FC had urged the electricity distributor to reschedule the closure over fears it would delay fans and staff getting to and from Saturday's home match against Notts County.

SSEN said a short-notice rescheduling was "not a viable prospect" as it would have increased costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Students due to arrive at the University of Reading for the start of the new term have also been advised to allow more time for their journeys.

A SSEN statement said: "There's a pressing need to restore the network back to full strength before the beginning of October.

"From this point onwards, the days become considerably shorter, and electricity demand increases markedly as a result."