A well-used route will be shut for more than three months for a major gas upgrade.

Bin collections, bus routes and emergency services could be impacted as SGN changes the network of pipes along Minster Road in Minster on Sea.

Contractor WCB Utilities has been hired to complete the project, which is set to start on Wednesday, July 23.

It will be changing 2,000 metres of gas main and around 680 individual supply pipes to nearby properties along the full length of the road.

The upgrade is expected to be finished on Friday, October 31, after more than three months of closures.

A spokesperson for SGN said: “We're preparing to carry out essential gas network upgrades along Minster Road.

“This work will ensure a continued safe and reliable supply of gas and is part of our 30-year programme of work to replace our old mains, which are reaching the end of their useful lives, with new, reliable plastic pipe.

“We understand roadworks can be frustrating, and we're sorry for any inconvenience this work may cause.

“However, the new plastic pipe has a lifespan of 80 years. This means that once our work is done, residents and businesses will be able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable supply of gas for many years to come.”

The utility company says it has taken steps to ensure "as little disruption as possible” and is working with the council for upcoming bin collections.

Bus services are also expected to be impacted, and residents are advised to contact their operator for changes in routes and timetables.

Emergency services have been informed and will reportedly have contingency plans in place.

The road is set to be closed in three stages. Engineers will begin working between the junctions of Pleasant Place and Scrapsgate for approximately five weeks.

SGN says this has been scheduled during the school summer holidays to “reduce disruption” for pupils at Leigh Academy.

Banner Way, Parsonage Chase and Scrapsgate will also be shut in turn at their junctions with Minster Road.

From Monday, September 1, they will then be working between Back Lane and Harps Avenue for around four and a half weeks.

As engineers move along, a temporary closure is to be put in place for Harps Avenue, Glenwood Drive, Whybournes Chase and Bellevue Road.

In the final stage, they will be closing the route between Porter Close and The Broadway from Monday, October 6.

This is for around four weeks and will last until the end of the month.

Barton Hill Drive, Sunnyside Avenue and Fleetwood Close are set to be shut at the junctions.

Signed diversions will be in place for motorists, and vehicle access for residents will change as the work progresses.

Pedestrians and cyclists will not be affected.

On Tuesday, June 24, a drop-in session will be held at the Minster Working Men's Club in Union Road.

A team will be available between 1pm and 6pm for the public to ask questions about the upcoming project.