A major upgrade of gas pipes in central Swindon will close parts of several town centre streets until the summer.

Wales & West Utilities began the work on Friday morning and is expecting it to be done by the start of July - unless any engineering difficulties occur between now and then.

The utility company has worked closely with Swindon Borough Council to plan the scheme and will contact car owners and residents if their vehicles need to be moved out of the way.

The work is being carried out on Chester Street, Cambria Bridge Road, Tennyson Street, Commercial Road, William Street, Albion Street, Dixon Street, Deacon Street, and Clarendon Lane.

No traffic management systems will be in place while these works are underway.

Swindon Advertiser: Chester StreetChester Street (Image: Dave Cox)

Mick Gallavin is managing the project. He said: "While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Swindon.

"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.

“We know that working in areas 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 have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

Anyone with questions about this upgrade can contact the Wales & West Utilities customer service team by calling 0800 912 2999, or going on social media to Facebook.com/WWUtilities or @WWUtilities on Twitter.

The gas emergency and pipeline service brings energy to 7.5 million people across the south west of England and Wales.

If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call 0800 111 999 straight away, and Wales & West engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.