A GAS company will carry out essential work to upgrade the local supply network in a Dorset village.

SGN will upgrade its services in Sturminster Marshall to address leaks on the gas main.

The works are expected to last a month and will begin on November 18.

The A350 will be closed from the A31 at the Roundhouse Roundabout to the north side of the crossroad junction with Dullar Lane/Station Road.

A spokesperson for SGN said: “Due to the complexity of the engineering work required, the gas main crossing the centre of the road and the need to use large machinery, it will be necessary to temporarily close the road.

“This closure will mean no through vehicle access in either direction on the A350 past Sturminster Marshall – pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained.”

Susan Day, stakeholder and community manager at SGN, said: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to limit disruption during our essential project.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years.

“This means once the work has been completed, Sturminster Marshall homes and businesses will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”