PLANS to dig up Christchurch High Street for three months from September will be “disastrous” for the town centre.

That's the message from the president of Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Peter Watson-Lee who said Southern Gas Networks plans will cause “major” disruption.

The company say they will be “upgrading” the local gas supply network from Tuesday September 24 in the High Street and Church Street.

A drop-in session will take place on Monday at the Kings Arms Hotel in Castle Street between 6pm and 9pm for residents and traders.

SGN say the existing metal gas mains and services in High Street and Church Street need to be replaced with modern plastic polyethylene pipe to ensure “a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area.”

All work will be suspended in December during the town's busy festive season.

Mr Watson-Lee said: “It will be disastrous. We are working with the council to see what we can do to minimise the disruption.

“It's going to be a major problem; it will disrupt trade and put people off coming to the town. It's really difficult to see what we can do though.

“The town centre traders are going to be really concerned and many will be very upset.”

The project will be carried out in three phases and will involve changes to the existing traffic management including temporary traffic lights and road closures.

Advance warning signs will be in place, and access to businesses and car parks will be maintained at all times.

Paul Riley, economic development manager at Christchurch council, said: “We have been working with Southern Gas Networks (SGN) over the past few weeks to make sure that this essential work is carried out with the least possible disruption.

"We recently hosted a meeting between SGN and representatives of the Chamber of Trade, the Town Centre Residents’ Association and Yellow Buses to explain how the work will be undertaken.

"As a result of the meeting, a more detailed set of signage to inform residents and motorists about the work was agreed.

“It was important for us to make sure that the work would not be taking place in the run-up to Christmas and SGN agreed to suspend their work during that period.”

SGN project manager Phil Bell said: “We will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption during this essential work. Our teams will be working extended hours and the Monday Market will continue as normal throughout.

“We will be sending all local residents and businesses detailed information about the project after the school summer holidays. If anyone has any questions or concerns in the meantime, I would encourage them to come to our drop-in session on Monday, 22 July to find out more.”