PHOENIX Gas has been asked to address increasing concern about its work at Killyleagh Street in Crossgar as part of a project to bring natural gas to the village.
Businessmen are annoyed that part of the road outside their respective premises has been dug up for a third time, confirming the move has had an impact on sales.
The concern of Central Garages and Jim Nicholson Wine Merchants is shared by Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, who is seeking a meeting with Phoenix officials to discuss the issue.
He claimed the work in Killyleagh Street had led to “serious problems” and that members of the business community and residents were “up in arms” at what is happening.
“Businesses are losing trade as a result of part of a busy road being dug up for a third time,”he said.
“Phoenix is spending millions of pounds bringing natural gas to the district, which is welcome investment, and while large scale work has been carried out in Ballynahinch and is continuing in Downpatrick, the problems in these towns are nowhere near as acute as they have been in Crossgar for whatever reason.
“I have received numerous complaints about the work in Crossgar and it is important they are addressed.”
Cllr Walker said businesses in Crossgar have had to put up with major disruption as work to connect the village to the natural gas system continues.
“Providing residents and business owners with a new energy form is welcome, but there is concern at the level of disruption this is causing in the village.”
A Phoenix spokeswoman said the company had been working with Cllr Walker on the Killyleagh Street issue and confirmed that the work has now been completed.
“These works were an essential part of the Crossgar network development programme and this final phase of works in this area has facilitated the imminent commissioning of gas availability to 600 properties across Crossgar,”she said.
“Whilst mains laying activity will continue into 2019, Phoenix Natural Gas has completed the scheduled works on the main arterial routes into Crossgar and we thank the local community for its continued patience as we work to bring natural gas to the area.”