MAJOR roadworks are well under way in the heart of High Wycombe town centre after Buckinghamshire County Council warned motorists they face long delays through the summer holidays.

Six sets of major roadworks have been planned, many of which are already underway.

Highways works will see roads closed, lane closures and diversions put in place as the town gears up for the opening of the Eden shopping centre next year, as well as the redevelopment of supermarket store Sainsbury's on Oxford Road.

Severe delays are expected between July 23 and August 31 when the eastbound carriageway, the A40 Oxford Road, will be closed into the town centre and other major works are already being carried out along this stretch of road.

Since June 18 the carriageway has been reduced to one lane whilst demolition works take place.

Sarah Widdows, Streetworks Team Leader for the council (BCC), said: "We would ask drivers to allow extra time for their journeys. There is going to be some congestion whilst these works take place."

One of the major reasons for so much work being carried out is because BCC says it expects there to be between a 15 and 20 per cent reduction in traffic throughout the summer holidays. Other roads that look set to be impacted include Desborough Road. which will be closed from tomorrow until July 27 whilst two tower cranes are removed and sewer works take place.

BCC is also planning to work closely with radio station Mix 107 to try and keep drivers up to date with the latest traffic news. A website has also been set up so motorists can check for diversions and road closures.

Si khan, local area coordinator for BCC, said: "This is the best way we can manage it. We are all very sympathetic, we appreciate that people have to go to work and we hope that people will remain patient."

June 30 until July 27 Desborough Road - A full road closure at the junction of Rutland Street to Lily's walk, in order for two cranes to be moved and sewage works to be completed.

July 3 - 5 A40 Abbey Flyover - Off peak lane closures east and westbound to facilitate minor bridge works.

July 9 - 23 Dovecote Road - Footway closure and one way system for vehicles implemented from Bellfield Road to Archway to facilitate demolition works.

July 23 - 31 A40 Oxford Road - Full road closure eastbound into the town centre and reduction to one lane westbound out of town to facilitate culvert works for River Wye.

August 2007 - April 2008 A40 Oxford Road - Nearside off peak lane restriction on Oxford Road/ Tesco roundabout outside Eden site entrance to facilitate cinema fit out.