THE second phase of major works to upgrade the gas network in the Parkstone Road area of Poole start next week.

SGN is investing £292,000 to replace old metal gas mains with new plastic pipes.

The 18-week project started on Monday, September 10, and saw work take place on Parkstone Road, between the roundabout with Churchfield Road and the junction with Birds Hill Road.

Phase two of the works, which will take approximately five weeks to complete, will start on Monday, October 8. Birds Hill Road will remain closed at its junction with Parkstone Road.

Engineers will be working in Parkstone Road between Birds Hill Road and the parade of shops where Parkstone Road joins the A35.

A spokesperson for SGN said: "To ensure everyone’s safety the bus and cycle lane, and the footpath alongside our work, will be closed alongside the area in which we’ll be working.

"The Number 1 bus will be diverted through Churchfield Road, via Parkstone Road, throughout this phase."