AROUND 3,000 houses in the Witney area face disruption to their water supplies over the winter period due to “essential maintenance work”.

Thames Water was unable to explain the extent of the work taking place, but it has written to residents to inform them it starts on Monday and will continue until April 2014.

Damian Crawford, network optimisation manager, said in the letter: “Although we will be making every effort to minimise disruption and inconvenience, householders may experience temporary pressure fluctuations, possible discolouration and no water.

“We would would like to stress that individual properties may only be affected for a short period of time – approximately two hours – and not constantly during the next four months.

“I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience.”