HASLEMERE Town Council has joined forces with the Chamber of Commerce to reduce the impact of major road works that will see a “key thoroughfare” shut.

In January, Southern Gas Networks (SGN) plans to start upgrading seven miles of gas mains in and around the town, with temporary traffic lights in place for around six weeks at Foster’s Railway Bridge in busy Lower Street, likely to cause town tailbacks.

Lower Street is set to be closed altogether for several weeks in August, when Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE) is planning a vital cable renewal.

Haslemere Chamber of Commerce president David Goddin warned shutting Lower Street would have “serious repercussions” and asked why SSE could not renew the cable at the same time SGN was doing the gas main.

This week, Haslemere Mayor Malcolm Carter, Mr Goddin and an emergency services representative met with SGN and SSE to discuss the proposed works in a bid to minimise the impact on households, businesses and services.

They stressed the importance of demonstrating Haslemere would be “open for business” to avoid a repeat of the damaging knock-on effects of previous lengthy town centre road closures.

Traders were hard hit in 2012 when major gas mains works closed two of the main routes into town.

SGN’s preliminary plans show a total of eight separate projects where gas mains need upgrading to meet modern standards of safety and reliability. Wherever possible, this will be done by inserting plastic liners into the existing pipes – a technique that is less disruptive for customers and road users.

Work on some of these projects is expected to start in January, with all scheduled for completion by August, when SSE works are due to commence.

“The good news for local business is that most of the SGN proposals do not directly affect the retail and commercial areas,” Mr Goddin said.

“However, the need for temporary traffic lights and diversions may cause delays on some routes.

“With the town council we have asked for informative signage to help avoid perceptions that Haslemere is difficult to visit.

“In the months ahead, council, chamber and individual businesses will need to work together to send out a strong message that the town is still open.

“I would welcome comments from chamber members and any other local businesses who have concerns about the impact of proposed works – or who have suggestions for promoting the town in the year ahead.

“SGN has assured us all the proposed work is essential, and is part of the Health and Safety Executive’s drive to have all cast-iron gas pipes within 30 metres of properties replaced by 2032. Some of the pipes, we are told, date from the early years of the last century.”

He added it was clear SGN has learned a lot since its last visit to Haslemere and was now placing much more emphasis on communicating with interested parties in the town.

Mr Goddin added: “The company is planning a major campaign to communicate with residents beforehand and to check their installations are safe after reconnection. Customers can expect to be without gas supplies for an average of four to five hours.

“Turning to Lower Street, we are told this has to be closed to through traffic for the duration because the road is too narrow to accommodate a working site and a carriageway.

“It is most unfortunate the cable was not replaced at the same time as the closure for gas main replacement.

“This is a key thoroughfare and closing it for any length of time could have serious repercussions.”

Mr Carter said: “We are aware of some large-scale upgrades to the gas and electric supplies in 2018.

“We have comprehensive plans from SGN and will put this information on the council web site. We had reassurance that where businesses are involved good notice will be given.

“Regarding SSE, we know they wish to close Lower Street for several weeks in August. We await their plans and will hope to ensure both network agencies are aware of each others plans.”