WALES & West Utilities has issued an update on work on a stretch of main road in Flintshire.

Temporary lights have been in operation on the A548 Chester Road in Oakenholt in recent days - causing considerable traffic congestion.

Wales & West Utilities has been working in the area to repair a gas leak in a pipe beneath the road.

The company has said the work has now been completed, but that a new road surface needs to be laid. 

Colin Davies, Wales & West Utilities gas emergency service manager for Flint, said:  "We’ve been working in the A548 Chester Road area of Oakenholt, Flint to repair a leak on a gas pipe running beneath the road.

"In agreement with Flintshire County Council and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we worked, manned two-way traffic lights are in place along Chester Road at its junction with Leadbrook Drive.

“Our engineers have worked as safely and as quickly as possible and have fixed the leak."

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He added: “We now need to fill in the holes that we have dug and then give the new road surface time to set. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete this work and remove the lights tomorrow afternoon (August 14). 

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of local residents and road users while we carry out this essential repair. Whilst it was important that we fix this leak, it did not pose any serious safety concerns and there was no impact on local gas supplies.”

Katie Wilby, Flintshire Council's chief officer Streetscene and transportation, said: “Wales & West Utilities are undertaking emergency works to carry out repairs to a damaged gas main on the A548 Chester Road in Oakenholt.

“Having been informed of the temporary traffic lights on Monday (August 12), Flintshire County Council issued an instruction to Wales & West Utilities for the signals to be manually operated until the works are complete.”