NORTH Square and High East Street in Dorchester will be closed while a gas main is replaced.

The work is being carried out by contractors working on behalf of gas company SGN, with the organisation describing the project as 'safety critical'.

SGN said a road closure will be in place from May 23 with a planned completion date of June 14, from a section of North Square from High East Street, to just before the Kwik Fit garage.

Access to North Square will be maintained from Colliton Street where the one-way direction for traffic will be switched.

There will be no vehicle access onto North Square from High East Street and diversion signs will be displayed.

Vehicle access for residents and businesses within the closure area will be maintained if safe to do so, but if access cannot be maintained the team on the ground will advise in advance.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. There are no planned interruptions to gas supplies.

A spokesman for SGN said: "We know that during the coronavirus outbreak, you’ll rely on us now more than ever to keep you and your family safe and warm. Your safety, and the safety of our employees, will remain our number one priority in the weeks and months ahead.

"We need to carry out safety-critical work to upgrade the gas network in your area. This needs to go ahead now, rather than wait until the pandemic passes, to ensure your local community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply. Our contractor Gas Network Services will be completing the work on our behalf.

"We’re working closely with UK Government and public health bodies to make sure we work safely and in line with expert advice during the coronavirus outbreak. We have extra safety precautions in place to protect our colleagues and our customers from catching or spreading the virus as we carry out our safety-critical project."

To find out mor email susan.day@sgn.co.uk or call 0800 912 1700, or for information about plans during the pandemic visit sgn.co.uk/coronavirus.

"Please accept our apologies in advance for any inconvenience our works cause," the spokesman added.