SHOPPERS and motorists on two of Keighley’s busiest streets face ten weeks of misery as a gas main is replaced.

Temporary traffic lights may be installed as part of the £97,000 upgrade of ageing metal gas pipes in Cavendish Street and Hanover Street.

Work is due to start on Cavendish Street on Monday with engineers working from the Cavendish Hotel down towards the Sainsbury’s junction.

Contractors will then move to Hanover Street, and expect to finish the project on April 5.

Cavendish Street shopkeepers this week expressed confidence that disruption would be kept to a minimum and customers would still be able to reach their shops.

Northern Gas Networks (NGS) staff wrote to traders about the work last November, then visited businesses in person and held a special meeting to address concerns.

The company has described the work, which will see 500 metres of metal pipes replaced with more durable plastic pipes, as essential to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply.

In a statement issued on December 5, NGS promised that pedestrian access would be maintained at all times along Cavendish Street and Hanover Street.

But it warned it might have to introduce four-way temporary traffic lights to help vehicle flow.

The company said a decision about traffic lights would be made following further investigation, but was unable to give an update when approached by the Keighley News this week.

Graham Benn, who runs DIY Solutions, this week praised NGS for the way it had kept shopkeepers informed about the likely impact of its essential work.

Mr Benn, chairman of Keighley Business Improvement District, said: “This sort of work has to happen. Northern Gas Networks have promised access to each shop.

“They’re going to work with the businesses the best they can. Nobody is worried, there are no concerns. If it happens like Northern Gas Networks say it will, then it will be hunky-dory.”

Javid Iqbal, owner of Prestige Driving School in Cavendish Street, accepted the gas mains work was important but said customers needed to be able to reach his business.

He said: “There’s always an element of concern, but it’s alright as long as there’s minimal disruption.”

Janet Wall, from Offshoots Wholefoods, did not anticipate too much disruption. She added: “Most of our customers come on foot. The worst thing for us might be delivery lorries getting to us.”

Engineers will be working in Cavendish Street place seven days a week from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Email customercare@northerngas.co.uk or call 0800 0407766 option seven for further information about the project.