A TRADER in the centre of Oxford is struggling to cope with gas works outside his city centre café.

Contractors working for Southern Gas Networks have started to replace gas pipes in George Street, near the junction with Worcester Street.

Aminul Islam, who works in Café 42 in George Street, said: “I think this could go on for another two weeks.

“It’s very disappointing because it is definitely affecting my trade. People find it much harder to cross the road because the pavements are fenced off at the moment.”

Morven Smith, a spokesman for Southern Gas Networks, said: “This is essential work to replace old cast-iron pipes with new plastic pipes to guarantee the safe supply of gas to George Street.

“Work should be finished in the next fortnight and we apologise to traders in the area for any inconvenience caused.”

However, there was good news for drivers on the A34 as the latest section of work on the Wolvercote Viaduct was completed today.

James Wright, a spokesman for the Highway Agency, said: “Work on the latest stage of the Wolvercote Viaduct finished this morning and there are no longer any carriageway restrictions on the A34.”

The 40mph speed limit has now been removed.