Temporary multi-way traffic lights will be put in place today along a busy stretch of main road close to a primary school.

The road obstruction at the A225 junction of Main Road and Church Road in Sutton at Hone, Dartford will last a week until Tuesday October 8.

Work involves the replacement of old, metal gas mains with modern plastic pipe to ensure safe and reliable gas supply to homes.

All parking around the work area, close to Sutton at Hone C of E primary school, will be suspended during this time to maintain two-way traffic flow.

The major gas main works along the A225 corridor are being carried out in three separate phases by gas distribution company, SGN.

Improvements works were delayed earlier this summer after a burst water main in Hawley road caused a loss of supply to more than 70 properties.

But the gas company says work, which will eventually continue into Hawley Road, is still on schedule and is due to be completed by the end of November unless there are further complications.

One section of gas main SGN needs to replace in Main Road, at the junction of Arnolds lane, is only allowed to be replaced during school holidays.

Due to its location, four way lights are required at the roundabout close to the school.

SGN says it is in discussion with Kent County Council to see what part of the school holidays they can carry this work out and will send out letters to those affected once it has confirmation.

JDT Utilities Ltd, which is undertaking the works on behalf of SGN, has issued advice to parents and guardians picking up children from school close to the works.

A statement from JDT read: "We operate to extremely high safety standards and use fences and barriers to keep everyone safe around our work areas.

"However, I would like to point out that there are inherent dangers involved with construction sites such as the moving of heavy machinery and equipment.

"I would therefore like to ask all parents/guardians to be extra vigilant and make sure that children stay outside of our barriers, and away from all machinery and equipment on site.

"Wherever possible we will schedule for collections and deliveries to take place outside of school drop off and pick up times to reduce the risk to safety and minimise the impact on traffic flow.

"We will also be liaising with the school to keep them updated on the progress of our work and respond to any feedback."

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