NATIONAL Grid workmen this weekend return to finish the gas main replacement that caused a traffic nightmare on the A666 through Darwen last year.

The company and borough council will dig up the road on Saturdays and Sundays, avoiding the rush hour chaos of the previous summer.

Councillors Trevor Maxfield and David Foster promised to keep a close eye on the work to ensure the problems of 12 months ago do not recur.

Last year, work on the road had to be halted until Blackburn with Darwen Council finished bridge widening in Lower Darwen. The two separate roadworks caused long delays throughout Darwen with businesses reporting losses of 30 per cent of trade as journeys of 15 minutes extended to an hour.

Council highways boss Maureen Bateson last night warned that the National Grid will be working on the A666 resurfacing between Anchor Road and Hollins Grove Street this weekend and for the next two.

She said: “Due to the extent of the delays that were experienced during the works last year, we have worked with the National Grid to ensure the resurfacing has been delayed until the six weeks holiday and restricted to weekends to minimise the disruption.”

A National Grid spokeswoman said: “We completed our gas mains replacement works in the area last year but the council asked us to postpone doing a full reinstatement of the road surface until this summer. We’ve agreed the dates to reduce disruption during peak times.

“This is the final stage of the project to replace an old metal main with a modern plastic pipe which is designed to last at least 80 years. Our work will help us make sure the people of Darwen can enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.”

Coun Maxfield said: “We have been assured that the work will take place over three weekends. I shall be watching closely what happens. If the works do spread into the week, I and all the Darwen councillors can expect a lot of earache.”

Coun Foster said: “At least there is an alternative route through Lower Darwen now.”