Roads in Dorchester will get a dressing next month under an initiative from Dorset Council.

Work will continue in October to preserve more of the region's roads using a preventative treatment called micro-surfacing.

Micro-surfacing seals the road, improves the texture and prevents water ingress. It is a cost-effective treatment for worn, but not structurally failing, roads that keeps them in good condition. It also adds reinforcement to the existing surface.

The work will be carried out by contractors, Kiely, and affected households will receive a leaflet before the works start.

Due to the equipment size and number of vehicles used to carry out the work, roads will be closed for the treatment to be carried out.

Road closures will be from 8am to 5pm. An onsite team member will be available to address any queries.

Residents will also be asked to not park vehicles on the road/verges when the work is due to start: 'No parking' boards will be erected 2-3 days in advance.

On application, the micro-asphalt may look 'open' with some loose chippings.

However, after a few weeks (or longer, depending on traffic volumes) the material will bed in. It is not recommended that the material is rolled as this brings the 'binder', which sits below the surface, to the top; this would affect the final texture and performance. The contractor may sweep up any excess chippings.

Road in Dorchester are scheduled for work in the early days of October. They include Plassey Close, Malta Close, Holly Close, Elizabeth Place, Roberts Place, Olga Road and Alexandra Road.