DRIVERS are set for 18 weeks of misery as gas replacement works are set to disrupt a busy town centre.

Cadent, formerly National Grid Gas Distribution, will be working in London Road, Wickford, along nearly 900m of the road replacing old gas mains.

It means there will be temporary traffic lights in place as the project is carried out in phases, with drivers also angered at the fact warning signs only surfaced on Monday - the day work began.

The first phase of work has seen Azalea Avenue shut off completely, and is scheduled to finish at the end of next week.

David Harrison, Wickford Independents councillor, says it is likely to cause chaos in the centre of town, and highlights its creaking road network.

He said: “Whenever there is work in London Road or in Southend Road, Wickford tends to come to a standstill. Traffic gets backed up to the Co-op roundabout, and heading out of town towards Shotgate.

“It is a very busy road, and I think for 18 weeks it will cause a lot of problems. It’s a very long time to be carrying out the work.”

A Cadent spokesman apologised the inconvenience, but insists the work is essential. He said: “This essential work involves replacing 880m of metal gas mains in London Road, between the junctions with Irvon Hill Road in the east and Castledon Road and Belmont Avenue to the west, with long lasting robust new pipes. These new pipes will help ensure the local community keep on enjoying safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.

“The first phase of our work involves us working in London Road between Irvon Hill Road and Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, London Road. To enable work to be carried out safely a lane closure along this stretch of London Road has been implemented, and traffic flow is being managed by two-way traffic lights. Azalea Avenue has also had to be closed to enable the work to take place.

“Overall the whole project is currently scheduled to last approximately 18 weeks with more traffic management including temporary two-way traffic lights and phased lane and road closures necessary to ensure work is carried out safely and efficiently.

“The new pipes are being inserted into the old mains where possible to reduce the need for large excavations and further minimise any local inconvenience. .

“Due to a change of subcontractor the warning signs did not go up until Monday, a week later than they ordinarily would go up. We are sorry for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.

“Local residents, businesses and community facilities were informed with letters sent both 28 and ten days before work started.

“Customer service teams have also been visiting the area to ensure we’re aware of any local questions or concerns regarding the project.”

A drop-in session for the local community to find out more about the work and ask questions will be held on Thursday, June 22 from 5pm to 7pm at the church hall of Our Lady the Good Counsel RC Church, London Road, Wickford.

For more information on the work people can also call 0800 096 5678.