Reaction to emergency works in Barrack Road, Christchurch

A section of the A35 Barrack Road heading into the town centre remains closed following a gas leak on Friday, with SGN unable to confirm when it will re-open.

It is the third time the busy road has been subject to repair works in the past seven months, but SGN say the incidents are not related.

Councillor Mike Cox said the closures highlight a “complete failure” to manage infrastructure in the town.

Read more: Barrack Road in Christchurch remains closed after gas leak

He said: “It goes to show the massive under investment there’s been in the infrastructure in Christchurch town over the decades.”

Councillor Simon McCormack said the latest works were “unfortunate”.

He said: “I think this is actually a symptom of a longer-term problem in that most of our major utilities go through that pinch point on Fountain Roundabout.

“Really, we need to be turning our minds to how we can solve this in the long term because I don’t think there’s a short-term solution.”

Emergency works on Barrack Road (Image: NQ)

Residents, businesses, and motorists are amongst those feeling the impact of the regular roadworks in Christchurch town centre. BCP Council said they “appreciate the frustration”.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “For safety and public health reasons, the council cannot prevent emergency works from taking place or control the timing.

“However, we do work with the responsible utility company to minimise the impact and duration of this type of work as far as practical.”

Christina Pengelly, Christchurch BID lead, said “there doesn't seem to be an end in sight”.

She added: “The BID has been working with the council to address these issues, but it seems there are deeper problems with the infrastructure in the area. As a result, businesses are losing customers due to the lack of parking and difficulty accessing the shops.

“I am worried that businesses will leave the area if they cannot retain and attract new customers.”

Christchurch BID has also called for compensation for affected businesses.

SGN said small businesses “who feel they have suffered a genuine loss of profit” could be entitled to compensation “depending on the circumstances”.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the company said: “The current work being carried out in Barrack Road relates to a leak separate to that of any repair work which took place in September.

“There is no specific problem regarding this section of our network. However, our metallic mains can experience leaks and that is why we’re undertaking a 30-year programme of works to replace these sections with new plastic pipe to help ensure communities receive a safe and reliable supply of gas.

“Our engineers have completed some of the required repairs, but we’ve recorded additional gas readings along this section. It is unclear how long the remaining work might take to complete.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience our repair work might be causing businesses in the area. These essential repairs are being carried out to ensure homes and businesses alike have a supply of gas maintained.

“Depending on the circumstances, small businesses could be entitled to compensation. Businesses who feel they have suffered a genuine loss of profit as a result of our work can find out if they’re eligible to apply on our website.”