Gas works on a major road in Stockport are set to cause disruption while old pipes are replaced.

Cadent has been working on 'emergency repairs' to the gas pipes below Brinksway in Edgeley since January, with two-way traffic signals in place. But the firm has decided to call time on the repairs and bring forward a plan to replace the old pipes, after realising the work was causing "too much disruption."

The company said the work is now entering its final phase and should be finished "over the next few weeks."

Cllr Asa Caton, who represents the Edgeley ward at Stockport council, said the start of the new football season could add to congestion on the A560 while the work is being carried out. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's a busy route into and out of Edgeley. It always gets busy in early morning and late afternoon rush hour.

"We've got the football season starting, which is a big concern. It's a key route for fans. This was supposed to be 'emergency works' but it's been going on for weeks. Not unusual for Cadent.

"There seems to be a lack of appetite to challenge them or penalise them."

Cadent has held weekly meetings with the council's highways team while the works have been taking place. But the firm acknowledged that the work was taking too long.

Emergency gas works on Brinksway in Edgeley, Stockport, in August 2024 (Image - Declan Carey LDRS)

Trevor Lubbock, Cadent's customer operations area manager, said: "My teams have taken action to keep everyone safe and ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas to thousands of local homes, as well as schools, offices and other buildings.

"On August 8, we made a decision to call time on the repair activities. It is taking too much time and causing too much disruption in the local area.

"So, we going to bring forward the upgrade of around 100 metres of cast iron pipe, which runs underneath Brinksway.

"We will replace it with our new tough plastic pipes that will last for many years to come. We'll keep gas flowing; there should be no interruption to supply.

"Our first priority will always be to keep everyone safe, but I know our work is causing disruption to traffic and it isn't helped by the fact there are a number of roadworks nearby.

"The upgrade will happen over the next few weeks, so this project is now entering its final phases. I would just like to thank everyone for patiently bearing with us."

Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services at Stockport council, said: "We thank the public for their patience whilst this large but necessary work has been ongoing.

"Our officers are continuing to work with Cadent to minimise the disruption."

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