DRIVERS in Hailsham are facing yet more disruption after East Sussex Highways confirmed that emergency gas works on South Road will continue until Friday, 10 October.
The works, being carried out by Southern Gas Networks (SGN), are the fifth time in just two years that the busy road has been dug up because of gas leaks.
A spokesperson for East Sussex Highways said: “The emergency gas works currently being undertaken by Southern Gas Networks (SGN) on South Road, Hailsham have been extended until Friday 10 October 2025, due to further works needed. Further updates will be provided in due course.”
The ongoing disruption has caused frustration across the town, with drivers facing long queues and residents venting their anger on social media.
It comes as Hempstead Lane remains closed during working hours for more than a month while SGN replaces gas pipes, Western Road is restricted by two-way lights due to power connections for a new housing development, and Mill Road has also been closed for weeks for roadworks.
East Sussex County Councillor Steve Murphy has criticised the situation, saying residents had been assured earlier this year that the issue was resolved.
He said: “I was assured by SGN in January this year that all the problems associated with gas pipes at this junction had been solved. No one wants a gas explosion right outside a petrol station and SGN has the statutory right to dig up the road anytime. I have emailed the county highways and SGN to implement better traffic management if it has to be dug up again.”
