A MAJOR gaswork project in North Oxford moved into Walton Street yesterday.

Temporary traffic lights are in operation between the Little Clarendon Street and Beaumont Street junctions and disruption is set to last for a month.

The work is part of an ongoing £2.5m project by Southern Gas Networks (SGN) to upgrade ageing iron pipework in the area.

Once the Walton Street phase is finished, the project will move into Beaumont Street and George Street.

SGN engineers are due to complete work in Little Clarendon Street on Friday, when that road will be reopened to through traffic.

Chris Renshaw, who manages Central furniture store, said the work had dented sales, but he praised engineers for their efforts.

He said: “Hats off to the guys, they have tried to help as much as possible.

“But we are a destination store and the road closure has had quite an impact on footfall.”

SGN has to replace all iron pipework, within 30 metres of properties, as stipulated by watchdog Ofgem.

It said replacement polyethylene pipes would last for up to 80 years.

Company spokesman Sam O’Conner added: “We are aiming to complete all works in April of this year.”