BUSINESSES are 'at risk' as disruptive works to gas pipes are expected to run into next year.

Cadent has been carrying out works to gas pipes in Berechurch Road for about 10 weeks.

Businesses in the area have complained the works have been costing them valuable customers.

Ward councillor Dave Harris contacted the company and Essex County Council to find out how long they would take, and he was shocked to hear it would take about 21 weeks.

The Gazette has seen the response from customer services at the council, which said: "It is understood these are complex and delicate operations, covering some 958 metres of gas pipes. With this in mind, it is anticipated that the works are likely to last for some time.

"For the above length of infrastructure we would expect the duration to be 21 weeks – this is calculated at approximately 50 metres of pipework being covered per week, with an additional one week to complete reinstatements and clear the site.

"Given the scale of the work, this is unfortunately not a quick process and there will be times where staff are not physically on site due to tests which are being conducted on live pipes. Whilst an element of disruption to traffic and general access is unfortunately to be expected, the utility company should look to minimise this as far as is realistically possible."

Staff at Essex Highways have agreed to meet with the ward councillors to discuss their concerns.

Mr Patel, of Hitesh Stores in Berechurch Road, said he expects to be out of profit until the works are over.

He said: “It’s really affected the business, it’s now been about six weeks.

“It’s the blockage of the road, the chaos, it diverts people and it stops them coming past the shop- that’s what the key problem is.”

Mr Harris met with other businesses down the road who felt they were being adversely affected.

He said: "Residents we represent are at their wits end with restricted access and with delays.

"All the residents along Berechurch Road have had pits in front on their houses for several weeks, this is not right.

"I would urgently request the Hitesh Store is recompensed for the dramatic loss of trade from the disruption due to the works."

Cadent said the essential work will help ensure everyone has safe and reliable gas supplies.

A spokesman said: "Installing new gas pipes will also reduce the amount of unplanned repairs and maintenance needed on our network and the knock-on disruption that can cause for residents and road users.

"Work will also involve the replacement of gas service pipes to some properties in the area. Cadent will liaise with these properties to arrange for the work to be done.

"There is a compensation scheme in place for businesses in regards to planned gas mains replacement work.Businesses may qualify if they are a small business which relies on people being able to visit their premises to carry out normal trade."