RESIDENTS and businesses on Southend Road in Grays, one the town's busiest access roads, have been advised they face significant disruption in coming months because of gas replacement work.

Gas networks operator Cadent has confirmed it plans to replace the gas main in the road and also the service pipes to each individual property.

They have written to some, but not all residents and businesses in the area, and this week hosted a public meeting in Grays Park to try and give out more information, however details remain sparse about timing and exactly what will be happening in terms of road closure, diversions and installation of traffic lights.

Thurrock Council has confirmed it is not responsible for the operation and has been unable to give any information.

A statement from Cadent says: "Currently, we do not have an exact date in regards to these works however affected properties will receive further notice in writing once dates have been agreed four weeks before they start.

"You can find more about the works we are doing at www.cadentgas.com/in-your-area and you can keep up with work and permits in your area for all utilities using the website https://one.network/.

"Should residents have any further queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our Customer Care team on 0800 085 4478. We are available from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 8pm and on Saturday, between 9amd and 4pm."

Work being carried out by Thurrock Council is currently ongoing on lighting and footpath reconstruction in New Road in Grays and nearby Derby Bridge, but both are scheduled to be completed by mid October so should not cause any further problems to works carried out on Southend Road and adjoining roads.