SGN (formerly Southern Gas Networks) has confirmed that it is currently working to upgrade the gas network in the Greenfields Avenue area of Alton.

Much of the existing pipework is thought to have been in place since the estate was developed by George Wimpey in the 1970s.

In a statement, the company said: “We are investing to replace our old metal gas mains and services with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area.

“In consultation with Hampshire County Council, we will be working in the area until approximately the end of April.”

Last week, SGN contractors were working in the Kellynch Close area of the estate which, according to town councillor Allan Chick, “looks like a bomb site”.

While residents had received letters stating that the work would start on January 25, with a leaflet to explain what they could expect to happen, Mr Chick has been shocked at the level of upheaval caused, with verges, greens, roads and pavements being dug up to accommodate new pipework and residents having to manage without gas as each individual property has its piping replaced or reinforced with plastic inserts.

According to SGN, engineers were working on Monday to backfill and reinstate Kellynch Close. They are expecting to move on to work on Cherry Way and Southview Rise in the next couple of weeks.

SGN spokesman Bradley Barlow said: “To ensure everyone’s safety, it is sometimes necessary to switch off customers’ gas while we work and we always aim to have everyone back on gas by the end of the day.

“We understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks. But the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that when the work is complete, people will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.”