A ROAD in Calstock will be closed for over a month from next Monday (July 9), for essential gas main replacement work.

Wales and West Utilities said the work in Calstock Road would help to ensure the safe and secure supply of gas to homes and businesses in the area.

The company said in a statement: 'The work is due to start on Monday 9 July and is expected to be complete by the end of August.

'For the safety of road users, pedestrians and the workforce involved in the project, it has been agreed with the local highways authority that a road closure will be introduced on Calstock Road for the duration of the project.

'Pedestrian access to Calstock Road will remain throughout and a diversion route for vehicles will be clearly signposted.'

The work forms part of Wales and West Utilities multi-million pound 30-year replacement programme across Wales and the south west of England where old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are to be replaced with highly durable, non-corroding plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years.

The company said it had liaised with members of Cornwall County Council and Calstock Parish Council to keep them fully informed of its plans and also notified local residents of the project by letter.

But David Chapman, who has a holiday cottage in Calstock Road, said the first he knew of the road closure was when the sign went up on the lamp-post last Friday.

'I went up to the Rising Sun pub on Calstock Road and they didn't know about it either.

'It is particularly important for businesses to be told early because it affects the information we give to customers about how to get here and in the pub's case, its livelihood.'