"We wouldn't need to dig this up again in regards to mains replacement work" – November 2017

"We will soon be working in your street to replace pipes" – August 2019.

THE hole that won't go away looks like it might be set for a return to a busy Thurrock street.

Residents on London Road in Stanford-le-Hope and motorists who use it as a main exit and entry to the town were plagued by a series of gasworks, including one particular section of the road that was dug up several times over a decade.

Workmen regularly returned to dig up the same spot in London Road, Stanford-le-Hope – between its junction with Rayleigh Road and Kingsman Road. The hole is right on a pedestrian crossing, which is put out of action every time the workmen unloaded their equipment.

In November 2017 the Thurrock Independent, which had been following the issue, reported that local councillors Shane Hebb and Terry Terry Piccolo were among those who had had enough and they called on the National Grid, asking for a permanent solution.

The drills and equipment have stayed quiet for almost two years since but now Cadent Gas have announced the road may be dug up again, despite a pledge the remedial work had been completed.

After the work in November was completed Cllr Hebb was told: "In regards to previous works, if it was work that took place in the street which involved changing the copper pipes to durable plastic pipes this would be mains replacement work that would only need to be completed once and once that's done we wouldn't need to dig this up again.

"In regards to the land being dug up other than this would only be for gas escapes or emergencies.

"I apologise about the inconvenience that is caused when this happens but if it's a gas emergency this is needed so we can ensure that this is made safe and repaired.

"I can't guarantee that this will never be dug up again due to gas emergencies but I can state we wouldn't need to dig this up again in regards to mains replacement work."

However, local residents have received a letter from Cadent, warning them work will begin again shortly and that, while it is happening, local gas supplied will be switched off.

Full details of a timescale of the new work have yet to be given but Cadent have advised residents to visit website

http://www.bettergaspipes.co.uk/ to check on what may happen.