An £11m water pipe project between Odiham and Fleet has finished on schedule, South East Water has announced.

The project, aimed at future-proofing the drinking water network around the area, took two years to lay.

According to South East Water, engineering and construction experts have had to navigate roads, fields, rivers and even a golf course for the project.

Having added the finishing touches last week, the 11km pipe is now fully operational and is already pumping water to customer taps.

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Project manager Matthew Cooper said: “This project has been one of the company’s most ambitious pipe-laying projects to date.

“The teams involved have had to overcome significant technical and environmental hurdles while sticking to a very strict time schedule so that we could minimise disruption to the local community.

“I am delighted we have now completed the project on time and the community can benefit from the new pipe for many years to come.”

A series of road and footpath closures have been in place throughout the in order to keep the public safe from the working area.

Mr Cooper said: “Projects like these are never without disruption and I know our work has had an impact on the local community.

“On behalf of the entire team, we are really thankful for the continued patience residents and motorists have shown us throughout this vital work.”

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Although much of the pipe was installed beneath roads, large sections had to be laid through rural areas.

One of the most challenging areas of the project was to lay more than a kilometre of pipe beneath North Hants Golf Club without disrupting play on the course.

Mr Cooper said: “Some areas of this project were incredibly challenging for the team but they overcame every hurdle which was thrown at them.

“I am very grateful for all their hard work over the last two years.”