A £214,000 project by Scotia Gas Networks to renew gas mains with modern polyethylene pipe started on Monday July 21 and the project looks set to continue until at least November.

Mill Green Road, which leads to Haywards Heath's railway station, has been closed for several weeks and drivers have experienced long delays in rush hour traffic and queues are reaching up to a mile long on Summerhill Lane.

Shops by the station are already seeing an effect on trade since road works began.

Sebastian Candelon, who owns The Fresh Fish Shop, hopes the work is completed before Christmas.

He said: "It has definitely had an impact on my trade. The main issue is parking. Some of my customers are elderly but cannot access anywhere to park.

"Other businesses near the station are suffering too. We just hope it doesn't last too long."

As the gas works continue to move closer to the station, local businesses fear this could create more chaos.

Taxi drivers are particularly concerned about Scotia Gas' plans to move their work outside the station on Market Place, as it could block access to the taxi rank.

The gas company is hoping the work will not affect the taxi rank and will focus mainly on the other side of Market Place.

However, trial holes may show a need to stop traffic travelling from Commercial Square to Market Place.

Scotia Gas said the 16-week timescale may be subject to change if engineering difficulties are encountered during the construction phases.

A spokesperson for the company said: "We hope to cause as little disruption as possible during these essential works and we are working very closely with local authorities.

"Local diversions will be in operation when required and advance warning signs will be in place. We will also ensure that access to residents and the emergency services will be maintained at all times."

Sewer works, gas works and ground works are also taking place across Haywards Heath in the next few weeks and temporary traffic lights will be in place at Franklynn Road, Lucastes Avenue and Gander Hill.

For more information on road works in the area visit the website www.westsussex.gov.uk.

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