ATROCIOUS weather conditions and enforced road closures combined to cause traffic problems in a Dartmoor town last week. On Wednesday January 16, Chagford was left with only one route, across Chagford Bridge, as a way into the centre. Essential gas works, currently taking place at the junction of Lower Street and Grammars Lane, have seen road closures and diversions in the town. One of the diversions takes traffic down Adley Lane, but through the combination of increased traffic and wet weather, urgent repair and resurfacing work was required on Adley Lane, enforcing its closure. This left Chagford Bridge, a route too narrow for goods vehicles to use, as the only way into the centre. The gas works, part of a £100,000 project to replace around 400 metres of gas mains, is being carried out to ensure the security of gas supplies to people and businesses in the area. Old metal pipes, within 30 metres of buildings, are being replaced with highly durable, non-corroding plastic pipes with a life span that exceeds 80 years. The works are being carried out by Wales and West Utilities who have worked closely with Devon County Council, Chagford Parish Council, the emergency services and the Chagford community to ensure the inconvenience the works will cause is kept to a minimum. Work began on January 7 and is expected to last 12 weeks. Details of the diversion route are being displayed at Chagford Parish hall or are available on request from Chagford Parish Council on 01647 432999.