DISRUPTION is expected in Midsomer Norton this summer as essential gas works get underway on one of the town’s key roads.

Drivers and residents are being advised to plan ahead, with traffic controls and a road closure set to impact journeys for several weeks.

From June 30 Wales & West Utilities will be carrying out the work and, barring any engineering difficulties, the project will be complete by the end of August.

It is essential to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come.

To plan the work Wales & West Utilities has liaised with Bath & North East Somerset Council, and the following traffic management has been agreed: Multi-way traffic lights on Redfield Road, between the junctions of St Chad’s Green and Steam Mills (June 30 to July 18); Road closure on Redfield Road, between the junctions with Steam Mills to Paulton Road/Chilcompton Road (June 21 to August 29).

Wales & West Utilities Simon Lee is managing the work and said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

“We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the area.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”