Gas replacement work along a main road has been delayed due to “engineering difficulties”.

The A250 Queenborough Road in Halfway, Sheppey, was supposed to shut for three weeks this month.

It was part of SGN’s 30-year scheme to replace old metal pipes with more reliable ones.

A spokesman added: “We understand roadworks can be frustrating. However, the new plastic pipe has a lifespan of 80 years.

“This means that once our work is done, Sheerness residents and businesses will be able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable supply of gas for many years to come.”

It was supposed to start in Queenborough Road on Monday, September 30.

The work was set to last three weeks and finish on Monday, October 21. However, engineers found an unexpected problem.

It was understood pipes leading to homes had already been upgraded to plastic. This meant it would be an easier and quicker changeover.

However, it was discovered most of the pipes still had a section of metal left.

As a result, further investigations and excavations needed to take place to allow SGN to correctly upgrade its service.

Since Monday, September 2, engineers have been replacing pipes along the B2007 Main Road, Queenborough, which is closed to traffic.

Signed diversions are in place and access is being maintained for residents and businesses.

The three-mile detour takes drivers along Railway Terrace, North Road, Whiteway Road, Brielle Way and Queenborough Road.

Due to the longer time needed on the project, this closure has also been extened for a further 11 days and will remain shut.

An SGN spokesman said: “Unfortunately, due to engineering difficulties and following consultation with Kent County Council (KCC), we've had to extend our work along Main Road until Friday, October 25.

“This means we will need to complete our planned work in Queenborough Road at a later date.”

The offices of Bespoke Affordable Kitchens in Borough Road is at the junction to the barriers where the road is closed.

A staff member said: “It’s causing the same issue for everybody – for residents it’s awkward but has to be done.

“They have moved along from further up the road near the Co-op. It’s not too much of a problem for us.

“It's a necessity and we just have to live with it until it's done I guess.”

Cllr Elliott Jayes (Swale Inds), who represents Sheppey Central on Swale council, says it’s something that is “unfortunately necessary”.

“The pipes are deteriorating and need changing. It’s just like how they had to replace the ropes on Kingsferry Bridge.

“They’ve got to close both lanes for safety – not just for the public, but also for their workers. I think it’s quite a deep excavation as well.”

He added: “I’d just wish they’d coordinate a bit better.

“The gas company will fix the road, then next week the water and electricity board will be out. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of joint-up thinking.”