The work should be finished by November

The water was seeping through a road outside the entrance to the Stall Street entrance in Bath, and destroying a third century cold plunge bath.

Roman remains beneath York Street, Stall Street and Kingston Parade were also found to be under threat.

Cobbles will be lifted and a damp proof course put in, with work expected to end by early November.

Outstanding importance

Stephen Clews, curator of the Roman baths, said: "It may seem odd that water should be a problem for a bath.

"But what is happening is a cycle of wetting and drying has developed as the condition of the road above deteriorates and leaks form.

"Over time salt in the water causes problems with the structure of the ancient stonework and Roman renders," he added.

The baths contains the remains of a major religious spas from the ancient world, and a Roman museum collection of "outstanding national importance".