A 10-WEEK programme of roadworks in Warminster could cause heavy congestion and create dangerous rat-runs through housing estates.

Gas transportation company Transco began work in West Street and Station Road on Monday.

The two projects, to replace the existing gas mains, are expected to cost around £152,000.

Warminster town councillor John Syme said motorists would take short cuts to avoid the traffic lights.

"It will drive people into places like Masefield Road and the Grovelands estate and increase the danger there because people won't want to wait for traffic lights," he said.

Delivery vehicles often cause heavy congestion in the town centre and road works in areas like George Street have caused tailbacks in the past.

Town councillor Paul Batchelor is worried that there will be a repeat performance.

He said: "Station Road is used by people who want to get to the station, central car park, doctors surgery and library, so quite a few things will be affected. But we may only see congestion for a short time while people adjust to the road works."

John Agate, the president of the Warminster Chamber of Commerce, does not expect much disruption for traders.

He said: "They may only need one day of traffic lights at Station Road but traffic lights could be used throughout the whole project at West Street.

"The work is unavoidable but hopefully people will work together to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum."

The 10-week project in West Street involves replacing approximately 450m of old metal pipe with new plastic pipe and 90 service pipes to individual properties. Traffic lights will be used to help maintain the flow of traffic.

The second project in Station Road is expected to take five weeks and involves replacing almost 300 metres of old metal pipe and around 18 service pipes. Modern techniques will be used to minimise disruption.

Transco project manager Murry Weeks said: "We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this essential safety work may cause. We have been working with the local highways authority to coordinate our work.

"The new plastic pipes will help guarantee gas supplies to Warminster in forthcoming winters and cut down on maintenance work."

Amec Utilities will carry out the work on behalf of Transco.