PARTS of a main road in Southend will be closed for four months to replace essential gas mains.

National Grid workers will be replacing gas mains along Central Avenue from Hamstel Road towards Sutton Road between July 20 and November 16 using a rolling road closure to ensure the work is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.

Between November 16 and January 11, they will then work on the footpath along the same stretch of road, also replacing service pipes to properties – meaning they will need access to affected properties.

Principal engineer Steve Edwards said: “We’re doing all we can to deliver this essential work with minimal impact to the local community.

“We’ll be keeping people informed of our work as things progress.

“It’s very important that people ask to see official identification before letting people into their properties. All our engineers carry official identity cards and people should ask to see these before letting them in.”

For further information on the project or to verify the identity of an engineer call 0800 096 5678.

Information on the work will also be on roadworks.org