Gas works are to finally end this weekend, after weeks of disruption in Burnley town centre.

Teams working on an essential repair in Royle Road have now completed the repair of a key gas pipe, which provides heating to thousands of homes locally.

Engineers uncovered the source of a gas leak under the road where it meets the Active Way roundabout.

Work began on October 18 and involved Cadent digging two deep excavations in the town – up to three metres deep and five metres wide.

Specialist engineers were brought in to complete the repair with the pipe staying ‘live’, with no interruption to the supply of gas to local homes.

The repairs are now completed and extensive work to reinstate the road has begun.

Such is the size of the excavation, a 72-hour period is needed to allow the foam concrete to set, and then 24 hours for a layer of tarmac to do the same.

Cadent Gas hopes the current lane closure in Royle Road can be removed during the weekend, if not sooner.

Nick Jerman, head of customer operations at Cadent, said: "This has been a big challenge for us, with our first priority always being to keep everyone safe.

"We appreciate our work, while necessary, has led to traffic disruption in the local area, and I'd like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding."

 “If you smell gas, here or anywhere, always act immediately and call the gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.

"Do not assume it is related to this work - it may not be and needs to be checked. All calls are recorded and may be monitored.”