A MAIN route into the conurbation remains closed due to emergency gasworks - and engineers don't know when it will reopen.

The A350 Poole Road, which links Poole to north of the county, has now been closed to traffic since last Thursday.

Tens of thousands of motorists have been forced onto diversionary routes throughout the Christmas period.

Initially, SGN gas engineers were called in by Dorset County Council (DCC) engineers who detected the smell of gas while investigating the partial collapse of the road structure.

Yesterday, SGN confirmed: "We are continuing to carry out emergency repairs to our gas network in the A350 Poole Road, Lytchett Matravers, Dorset.

"We've made steady progress and completed two repairs so far on our gas main, however, our engineers continue to detect gas readings so need to carry out further investigation.

"It is still too early to say how long repairs will take to complete."

The gas supply company also says local highway authorities have advised them the road will remain closed until repairs to the gas network are completed, and subsequent investigations by council engineers have taken place.

Residents of Crumpets Drive, which if off the A350 - within the current closed section - told the Echo they were frustrated with ongoing disruption.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "It has been going on all over Christmas and nobody can get to us.

"All the neighbours here are angry about it because we are effectively cut off.

"This is not what you need at this time of year."

The A350 has been closed in both directions between Crumpets Drive and Castle Farm Road.

Traffic is affected both ways between the Roundhouse Roundabout at Sturminster Marshall and the A35 at Upton.

A diversion route is signed via the A35 and A31 via Bere Regis.

Meanwhile, DCC confirmed: "Our engineers were investigating a partial collapse of the road structure around a culvert when a smell of gas was detected.

"We contacted SGN and following their own investigations the road was closed to facilitate their emergency repairs.

“We are continuing to liaise with SGN for updates about their work, and are keeping drivers informed through our Travel Dorset twitter account.

"We are aiming to carry out our repair work under two-way temporary lights when the gas leak has been resolved and the road reopened."