Fears of traffic jams on a main road through a Wiltshire town have been raised, with an alternative route set to close for almost two months.

A large stretch of the Lowden road in Chippenham will close from October 30 until December 22 while upgrades to the gas network are carried out, prompting fears of increased traffic on the A4 Bath Road.

During a meeting of the Chippenham Town Council planning committee, Cllr David Poole voiced concerns over the length of the closure.

He has since told this paper that he remains worried about the proposed timescale.

He said: “I’m very concerned about the length of time it’s going to take because it could be two months and that’s a long time.

“It’s a densely populated area and it’ll be one way in and out now, which is a problem, and all the Lowden traffic now going to come onto Bath Road which is already one of the busiest roads in the town.

“Roadworks in Chippenham seem to take an awful long time.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The route through Lowden will close for almost two monthsThe route through Lowden will close for almost two months (Image: Google Maps)Wales & West Utilities’ operation manager for Chippenham, Mick Gallavin, emphasised that the works due to be carried out are “essential” for the supply of gas to homes and businesses.

He said: “We’re working in the Lowden area of Chippenham to upgrade the gas network. This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.

“In agreement with Wiltshire Council, and to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, we will need to close Lowden road at its junction with Pavely Close and Lowden Hill from October 30.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete our work on Lowden by December 22.”

Despite the lengthy closure, the firm insists it will aim to minimise disruption.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The route through Lowden will close at Pavely CloseThe route through Lowden will close at Pavely Close (Image: Google Maps)Mr Gallavin added: "We appreciate that working on roads such as these is not ideal, and we are trying to keep disruption to a minimum.

“This work really is essential to keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.”

Members of the public with questions about the works have been advised to contact the Wales & West Utilities customer service team.

They can be reached on 0800 912 2999, at enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk, or on Facebook and Twitter.