GAS engineers say they do not know how long it may take to fix a leak beneath the A420 near South Marston.

There are currently temporary traffic lights on the Shrivenham Road. On Tuesday morning, the works caused significant problems for drivers - with mile-long queues in both directions.

Travis Wheatle, Wales & West Utilities' operational manager for Swindon, said: “We are working to repair a leak on a gas pipe outside a property in the A420 Shrivenham Road area of Swindon.

"In agreement with Swindon Borough Council and to keep road users and our colleagues safe while we work, traffic lights are in place along the A420 between the property and its junction with Old Vicarage Lane. To keep traffic flowing, these lights will be manned during peak times.

“Fixing this leak is a complex job and we do not yet know how long our work will take. Our engineers are working as safely and as quickly as they can to repair the pipe.

“We appreciate that working on roads such as this is not ideal, but it is important that we fix this leak now so we can keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area.”