DRIVERS are bracing themselves for weeks of misery as roadworks threaten to bring part of the town centre to a standstill.

Transco, the firm responsible for the maintenance of gas supplies, started replacing ageing metal pipes with newer plastic ones yesterday.

And while they say disruption will be kept to a minimum, lengthy delays and even road closures are on the cards.

The essential work will be completed in two phases.

The first involves replacing more than 1km of pipe from the Transfer Bridges to the junction of Wellington Street and Corpora-tion Street.

The second, scheduled to start next Monday, involves replacing 600 metres of pipe in Regent Circus, Clarence Street and Victoria Road.

Motorists are warned that lane closures are likely in Clarence Street around the middle of next month. Bernie Maguire, town centre manager, said: "We successfully managed to delay essential roadworks in the town centre over Christmas so this is likely to be part of the overspill from that.

"Unfortunately this work will cause disruption to many people using the town centre but it has to be done."

Tim Sheppard, Transco projects manager, said: "We are aware this is a busy area and we intend where possible to drill the new pipe under the road to help minimise delays.

"To help the work take place, it will be necessary to close Corporation Street for several consecutive weekends in February.

"Diversions will be clearly signed. Unfortunately, because of the location of our pipes it will also be necessary to suspend some residents' parking bays on certain days as work progresses .

"We would like to apologise for any delays but the new pipes will help guarantee the demands for gas, cut down on maintenance work and ensure residents can continue to take their gas supplies for granted."

Kevin Shoesmith