SOUTHERN Gas Networks has defended its decision to use only four engineers for the High Street gas works.

Two teams, each of two people, have been working on the essential mains replacement work, scheduled to last 26 weeks. Some observers have questioned the decision, believing that more workers would complete the £160,000 job more quickly.

But SGN said it was standard to use four workers for projects of a similar scale.

Spokeswoman Laura Varney said: "We are working in close consultation with the local Chamber of Commerce and council throughout this project and have two teams of engineers working on the High Street.

"We would urge the public to have patience while we carry out this important work to upgrade the system for the better."

The work, due to finish in July, is a week ahead of schedule and engineers are said to be "very pleased" with progress.