DIRTY roads, traffic lights, pneumatic drills at 7.30am and an eleven week delay on road works normally spells a headache for residents.But although a massive £200,000 road works scheme to replace gas piping is already overdue by three weeks, residents in Langer Road, Felixstowe are taking it in their stride.

DIRTY roads, traffic lights, pneumatic drills at 7.30am and an eleven week delay on road works normally spells a headache for residents.

But although a massive £200,000 road works scheme to replace gas piping is already overdue by three weeks, residents in Langer Road, Felixstowe are taking it in their stride.

Transco, the pipeline operator, is replacing 800 metres of old metal gas piping with a new safer plastic version.

The 12 inch diameter yellow pipes were to be fitted along the road in 15 weeks after they started work in mid-May, but because of the weather and ground conditions work has been delayed and will not be completed for a further eight weeks.

"We're replacing a gas main in Langer Road, Felixstowe, it is part of a national mains replacement programme to ensure a continued gas supply. What is happening in Felixstowe is part of a national initiative," said Jeff Evans, a spokesperson for Transco.

"We have been there some time. We have had a few technical engineering problems which have put us behind schedule. But we're on top of it now."

He said the 15-week project was vital to ensure the safety of the gas piping system.

Along with the large main pipeline, the smaller service pipes entering each home will also be replaced, meaning each person's gas supply on the road will be cut off for two to three hours.

Mr Evans said that Transco had the full co-operation of residents on Langer Road as they had been fully informed of the building work and the inconvenience that it could cause.

Daniel Clarke, a resident of Langer Road, said: "It doesn't bother me, the only thing is waking up in the morning at 7.30."

He said the workers started their day early in the morning so the teenager missed out on his lie-ins.

"It bothers my dad a bit because he has to drive in and out," he added.

The road works, which span half way along Langer Road means that traffic lights have to be used as one side of the road is blocked.

Paula Atkinson, another homeowner, said: "There's always mess when you're digging places. No, it hasn't really bothered us. I suppose it has to be done for health and safety reasons.

"The only other bother I have is to park the other car."

As the road works will soon pass her house, Mrs Atkinson has to keep her second car parked on a side street away from her house to make way for the road works.

An elderly resident said: "It is no bother at all, we haven't had the gas cut off so it has been fine – no problems."

Another person living at Langer Road, said: "It is a good thing, they work well, they're getting on well."

She said the workers seemed to be working quickly and so was not bothered by the inconvenience caused.