EIGHT weeks of roadworks have commenced on a busy road in Wellington.

Wales & West Utilities is carrying out a £257,000 project to lay new gas pipes on the A38 near Chelston Park Nursing Home.

The work, which began on July 15, is scheduled to take approximately eight weeks to complete.

The company is upgrading the gas network in the area, which it says is 'essential' to keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses.

The investment scheme, which has been planned in partnership with Somerset County Council, involves working from outside Chelston Park Nursing & Residential Home, situated on the A38, along to the B3187. It has been agreed that the work will be carried out under two-way traffic lights, which will be in place 24 hours a day.

Wales & West Utilities project manager, Joe Phillips, said: “We know that working on roads 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 be working as safely and as quickly as possible to make sure the work is completed in a timely fashion, while keeping inconvenience to a minimum for local people and road users.

“Most of the gas network is underground and out of sight but it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Wellington and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

“This work will not only keep the gas flowing safely and reliably today, it will also help make sure the gas network is fit for the future and can play its part in delivering reliable and affordable green energy.”