WORK has started on upgrading gas pipes in Rhuddlan.

Road closures - to be in place for six weeks - have been earmarked for Castle Street between Station Road and Hylas Lane whilst Wales & West Utilities undertake the work.

The scheme started on Monday.

Station Road wasn't initially closed but shut later that day.

Paul Astley, Wales and West utilities operations controller for the area, is managing the work.

He said: "We know that working on roads like these is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.”

The work is said to be essential to keep gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area.

It is expected to take six weeks to complete.

A diversion route will be clearly signposted.

A spokesperson from Rhuddlan Town Council said: "We have been informed of this work and we were informed by Wales & West Utilities that everyone in the vicinity would receive a newsletter and a covering letter, and everyone who’s gas supply is going to be directly affected will have received an additional letter letting them know the details for the work specifically on their home.

"Work of this kind will cause disruption in one way or another. However, we need to think of the long term benefits of keeping gas flowing to homes and businesses in Rhuddlan and making sure that residents are safe and warm."

Concerns were raised that the road closure on Hylas Lane would mean that the usual Remembrance Parade in November would not be able to use the road.

The town council spokesperson added: "Having contacted Wales and West Utilities with our concerns, they were quick to respond that they would ensure that the road was safe for pedestrian on November 11 because they realised it was important to the community."