ROADWORKS will return to Melksham later this month as a £6,000 two-week project to replace gas pipes in Bank Street gets under way.

Transco will be replacing 160 metres of old pipe with modern plastic pipe as well as replacing 14 service pipes to individual properties in the main shopping street.

Most of the work will take place from the pavement with only minor disruption expected.

Transco bosses have promised to keep access to shops clear by making alternative routes for shoppers in the town centre.

The work comes just weeks after roadworks were brought

in at new housing developments in Lowbourne and Semington Road.

Project manager Andy Leach said: "We will be using modern key-hole techniques to insert the new pipe inside existing metal pipe.

"The work will take place on the pavement and we will be making alternative arrangements for pedestrians and keeping access to the shops clear.

"As part of the project we will be replacing each individual gas service along the route free of charge.

"Our engineers will call at each property to arrange for an inspection and for the work to be carried out."

Amec Utilities Ltd will carry out the work.