Gas network upgrades that were feared to bring “chaos” to road users have been postponed.

SGN had planned to start infrastructure improvements on a stretch of Sheppey Way between Key Street to the railway bridge near Premier Inn and McDonald's in Bobbing.

The works were planned to begin on Monday, April 1, and take until Friday, April 26,

However, the gas company announced it had decided to hold off on the work planned for Sheppey Way yesterday (Thursday, March 7).

The decision came after Cllr James Hunt, who represents The Meads ward at Swale council, raised concerns that the work on Sheppey Way would cause “chaos” due to the disruption already being caused by road works at the Stockbury Roundabout and Grovehurst Roundabout.

He said on Wednesday: “Yes we need infrastructure improvement but it will be at the wrong time. With the traffic the way it is in the area at the moment that closure will cause chaos.

“These non-essential works need a re-think.”

After Cllr Hunt made his fears known SGN responded in an open letter explaining that it decided to postpone the works “to limit disruption due to other ongoing roadwork schemes in the area”.

The company says it will confirm the new dates as soon as it’s able to.

However similar works in Bobbing Hill, off the Key Street roundabout, near Sittingbourne, are still in place and are expected to close a road for more than a month.

The project is set to start on Tuesday, March 19 and last between five and six weeks.

At the same time, work will also take place along Cold Harbour Lane from the Bobbing Hill junction to the railway bridge.

The upgrades will take place in two phases. The first of these will see two-way lights installed and then the second phase near Macdonalds would need to be multiway lights.

The lights remain in place for the duration of the work.

SGN says the works are part of its 30-year programme to upgrade gas mains with more relatable plastic pipes which have a life span of 80 years.

Signed diversions will be in place for motorists while residents and traders will retain access to their homes and businesses.

In an open letter to residents, the gas company said: “We understand roadworks can be frustrating.

“Once our work is done Bobbing residents and businesses will be able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable supply of gas for many years.”

The company said the closures are necessary due to excavations being open in the roads during the works.