Emergency works to replace gas pipes have been extended for another two weeks after being branded 'hell' by residents.

Lower Rainham Road has been closed between Otterham Quay Lane and Berengrave Lane, Rainham, for more than a month for gas and electricity work.

The scheme started on July 13 after attempts were made to change the pipes earlier that month and was expected to finish on Saturday, August 20.

This has now been extended again until September 6.

The road is closed at the junction of Station Road and Lower Rainham Road outside The Angel pub as engineers from utility company SGN work to replace a section of the gas network.

Motorists are unable to turn left from Station Road but there are temporary traffic lights to ensure vehicles can travel around the closure to the right.

A spokesman for SGN said: "Our urgent work to replace pipes is ongoing and we are making the remaining gas network connections this week.Once this engineering work is completed, we will carry out reinstatement around our site.

"We are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete this essential work and reopen Lower Rainham Road."

Earlier this month, residents described living in "hell" due to traffic "mayhem" caused by roadworks.

"It is a nightmare here because of the roadworks. It is causing so much mayhem," said Nena Nwokoro, who has lived there for more than 20 years.

"It is horrible. I do not know how we are going to keep coping with it. It is terrible getting out of the house and people cannot reach us. We have never had it this bad.

"You cannot go on Lower Rainham Road, so it becomes gridlocked on the top road. It is horrendous."

SGN is replacing the current gas network with plastic pipes which have a lifespan of around 80 years to ensure residents and businesses have a reliable gas supply.

Signed diversion routes are in place for affected road users and access is being maintained for residents and businesses.