The pipes which saved Chichester from being submerged by flooding are to finally be removed.

Workmen will be drafted into the city centre next week to dismantle the 13 miles of piping, part of city life since late October.

Since the autumn flood alert, water levels in the River Lavant and groundwater levels on the nearby Downs have dropped.

West Sussex County Council chief executive Paul Rigg said: "We are aware that the presence of the pipes, whilst saving Chichester from flooding, has caused difficulties for people who live and work in the city.

"I would like to thank traders for their patience during this period of disruption."

Work to remove the pipes will take several weeks and involve road closures.

One of the biggest operations will be to remove a temporary bridge in South Street. The road is closed from March 25 to April 2.

Sandbags and other equipment used to protect property in the city centre will be cleared away between April 2 and April 12.

The pipeline was set up to divert water from the heavily swollen River Lavant before it reached the Victorian culverts which carry it under the streets.

District councillors turned the operation into a tourist attraction by issuing a brochure containing a pipe trail for tourists to follow.

No decision has been taken about removing pumping equipment and pipelines at Westhampnett on the outskirts of the city, put in to prevent the A27 from being flooded.