Motorists in parts of Maidstone are facing potentially more than three months of traffic disruption as work begins to replace old metal gas mains in the area.

Contractors WCB Utilities have warned that because of the width-restricted nature of the country lanes in the Loose Valley area, it will be necessary to close the roads completely to traffic while they work to instal a new plastic gas main.

The rolling programme begins with the closure of Busbridge Road on April 25 for approximately five weeks, from the entrance to Pympes Court Farm to the junction of Stockett Lane.

That will be followed by the closure of Stockett Lane on May 2, for approximately six weeks, from outside property No 12 to the junction with Bockingford Lane.

Bockingford Lane itself will be closed on May 16 for approximately five weeks, from the junction with Stockett Lane to the junction with Teasaucer Hill.

Ivy Mill Lane (off Bockingford Lane) will close on May 16 for approximately six weeks along its whole length.

Cave Hill and Hayle Mill Road, will both close on May 30 – Cave Hill for six weeks and Hayle Mill Road for seven.

Teasaucer Hill and Cripple Street will both be closed on June 13 for six weeks, although for Cripple Street this will involve only the rural section of the road - from Teasaucer Hill to Saxon Way.

The work is likely to cause additional delays for motorists more generally.

The route from the Loose Road, A229, down Cripple Street, Teasaucer Hill, Hayle Mill Road and Cave Hill, is used as a short cut by many motorists who want to head to the west of Maidstone without going into the town centre.

That traffic is likely now to have to stay on the Loose Road adding to pressure at the Wheatsheaf and subsequent junctions.

Access will be maintained for residents and signed diversions will be in place.