Newbury's Market Street closed for difficulties in gas main repair

Market Street is closed today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) for gas mains repairs.

Gas company SGN experienced difficulties in completing repairs to an existing gas leak.

The leak forced an emergency closure of the road last week and caused heavy traffic throughout central Newbury, gridlocking the town centre and roads such as the A339 and the A343.

SGN was on site over the weekend to find and fix the leak.

It was due to carry out checks today. The road was then due to be resurfaced and opened up for public use.

The repairs will now be completed today and the road will reopen tomorrow evening.

There is currently traffic build up on Cheap Street, Bear Lane and Kings Road with slow moving traffic on the A339 up to Burger King Roundabout.

The AA said there are severe delays of 14 minutes and delays increasing on A339 southbound between The Connection and A343 St Johns Road.

The average speed is currently 5mph.

This is the second time this year that a gas leak has forced the emergency closure of a road that was due to have lengthy road works.

West Berkshire Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Access to the Station Car Park, the Kennet Centre Car Park and the Council Offices will continue to be via Bartholomew Street.