FED-UP residents face another six weeks of disruption while essential repairs are carried out on gas mains in Leigh.

The North London Gas Alliance has dug 30 holes in Highlands Boulevard and nearby roads in Leigh as part of the work.

John Wren, who lives on the corner of Buxton Avenue, said the excavations were making life a misery for residents.

The company has apologised, but insists the work is vital and will continue for another six weeks.

Mr Wren said: "This has been going on for five weeks now and there are big holes, both in the road and in the pavement.

"They have been bordered off for safety reasons, but are making life difficult for the people who live around here.

"Some of the holes are in front of houses, preventing people getting cars in and out of their drives.

"They are having to leave their cars in the road, which isn't ideal on a busy dual carriageway.

"The workers are also careless with their litter, leaving empty water bottles on walls and gateposts, which we have to clear up.

"I used to work for a water company and our regulations were certainly a lot stricter. The people here have had enough of it."

North London Gas Alliance spokesman, Sarah Harris, said its workers had taken care to cause minimal disruption to residents.

She explained: "We are carrying out these works in order to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply system.

"The work started in mid-July and involves replacing the existing metallic mains and services with new plastic pipe"

She insisted the firm was aware it was working in a residential area and was trying to maintain access for residents whenever it was possible.

But she added: "We are governed by the location of the existing gas services which supply individual homes.

"In some cases, this has involved digging holes near, or directly outside, the property.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience caused, but ask residents to please bear with us.

"The work has to be done if people want to be able to take for granted a safe and reliable supply of gas."