A MAJOR scheme to replace old gas mains on one of Huddersfield’s busiest roads starts tomorrow.

And engineers behind the Halifax Road scheme have insisted that stretches of the road have to be closed to through traffic for safety reasons.

The scheme, which will last for three months, means drivers face long diversions to avoid the stretch of road from Ainley Top to Birkby Road.

But a spokesman for United Utilities, who are replacing the old metal mains with new safer plastic pipes, said only access for those living and working in the area could be allowed.

“We have to work within the parameters of legislation, which dictates safety requirements. We recognise it will be inconvenient but we do not take chances with public safety.”

Clr Tony Brice, of Lindley ward, said: “This is unavoidable work to improve the gas pipeline.

“The council has done as much as it can to mitigate the problem but there will be unavoidable disruption”.

Motorists wanting to get from the Ainley Top roundabout will be diverted either along Lindley Moor Road and New Hey Road or through Rastrick, Fixby and Bradford Road.

A shuttle bus, paid for by United Utilities, will run on the Birchington and Briarlyn estates in Birchencliffe to help elderly people who need to get out and about.

Weight limits have been put on several roads in Lindley and Oakes to stop ‘rat running’.