Gas works affecting a roundabout and a busy route in Weymouth will continue a month beyond the planned completion date.

SGN has been carrying out work around Chafeys roundabout and along the A354 Weymouth Way to upgrade the pipe system following a leak.

The Echo previously reported that the work was scheduled to be completed this month – but the company has now given a July deadline following delays.

No specific date for completion in July has been declared.

The delays were caused by the need to carry out further digging work to clear tree branches, which was necessary due to the surrounding area's status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Sites of Special Scientific Interest are areas of the country chosen for conservation of their wildlife or geology.

SGN had previously attempted to use a directional drilling procedure to limit the number of trenches needed, but this was unsuccessful due to ground conditions.

Bradley Barlow, spokesman for SGN said: "We’re continuing to upgrade our gas network by replacing our old metal gas main with new plastic pipe in Weymouth Way, near Chafeys roundabout.

"The branches around our work area have now been cleared allowing us to continue our work. However, due to engineering difficulties, we’ve been unable to complete our work using a planned directional drilling procedure. We are now continuing our work using a different procedure and we expect to complete our project in mid-July.

"We’d like to thank the local community for their patience during our work and apologise for any inconvenience it may cause."

Traffic management measures, including temporary lights, speed limits and narrow lanes, have been used during the gas works.

A spokesman for SGN said that existing traffic management will remain in place until further notice.

The gas works have also meant the pedestrian crossing was taken out of action near Chafeys roundabout.

Weymouth town councillor David Harris said: “The company seem to be trying to cause minimal disruption and I am pleased that they are trying to safeguard our trees whilst disrupting traffic as little as possible.

“The residents of Southill would, of course, like to have their crossing point back as soon as possible.”