WORK to replace a gas main, lasting 18 weeks, began at the weekend and is already causing ‘horrendous’ traffic, especially in the evenings.

A series of road closures have been put in place affecting The Fairway, in Leigh, for the next four months, which is a major route between Leigh and the A127.

The first phase of the closure was put in place on Saturday morning, between Eastwood Road North and Moor Park Gardens.

The second phase of the closure will see the section from Moor Park Gardens to the A127 closed off.

Julian Ware-Lane, a councillor on the traffic and parking working party, said he believes the traffic has ‘trebled’ in some areas due to the diversions.

He said: “This morning, bearing in mind it is school holidays, it looks a little bit backed up but I have been told there are some real delays coming home in the evening.

“The Fairway junction being closed means that all those who would have used it would have to take the next junction. It normally backs up there but not that much.

“Traffic from what used to use the Fairway is now using Bellhouse Lane- potentially trebling the traffic turning round that junction and turning right.

“My advice to drivers is avoid rush hour, but that is easier said than done.”

During the first phase of work, the right-hand filter lane off of the A127 towards Leigh will still be in use, with vehicles diverted off of The Fairway to Bellhouse Lane, via Moor Park Gardens.

Vehicles will also be able to use the right hand filter lane at Bellhouse Lane.

The section of The Fairway between Eastwood Road North and Moor Park Gardens will be re-opened once the first phase has been completed but there will be no access to the A127 due to the phase two works.

Simon Byford, manager of award-winning Byfords Food Hall in Eastwood Old Road, said they have lost a lot of business due to the closure.

He said: “We don’t have exact figures yet as it has only been a few days but we have taken less business.

“Some of the signals that the council put up said road closed so people weren’t coming into the Fairway, even though half of it is open.

“It has caused big jams but it will be worse when they do the next end, it is right where we are. At the weekend the traffic was horrendous.”

Stephen Aylen, independent ward councillor for Belfairs, is a lot more positive about the works and said they will continue to make improvements to the diversion.

He said: “The filter lane at the Bellhouse is working extremely well and everyone is please with it and they want it to stay.

“We are learning as we are going along.

“Hopefully there will be a 20mph speed limit on Moor Park put in because people are flying down there and there is a safety risk.”