TRAFFIC chaos is looming in central Swindon, after it was revealed a town centre road is to close for five months.

Stretches of Ferndale Road are to be dug up by Wales and West Utilities from August 11.

And the company has admitted it plans to close parts of the road for the work for 20 weeks.

Every day thousands of drivers use the mainly residential road as a cut through between the town centre and North Swindon.

Amrik Singh has a shop of Ferndale Road. He said the road closure would not just put people off making a pit-stop outside the shop but would also cause problems with deliveries.

He said: "It will affect our business, as people sometimes park outside our shop.

"If people are stuck in traffic, they are much less likely to stop and try and park outside.

"The vans that deliver to us won't be able to get through at all."

One resident, who didn't want to be named, said: "This is a very busy road.

"There are certain things like getting to the church every week, which there is no other way of getting to other than the little side streets.

"It will also make it difficult for people to get into the town centre."

The work will see about 3.5km of new plastic gas piping fitted in the area.

And the road is being closed to protect gas workers and pedestrians during the work.

Once laid, the gas pipes will have a lifespan of more than 80 years which, the company hopes, will mean work will be less likely in the short term.

The company has also assured residents and motorists that various traffic management measures will be introduced during the closure.

WWU says it will be working closely with Swindon Council to ensure that any inconvenience is kept to an absolute minimum.

WWU's project officer Tim Sheppard said: "Temporary parking restrictions will also be required in Ferndale Road as we progress the work.

"We will do all we can to minimise disruption.

"The work is part of Wales and West Utilities' continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of gas supplies to the local community and it is essential to bring improved supply to local people in the area."

He added that the company would provide the Advertiser with regular updates on the progress of the work.

A Swindon Council spokesman said: "We are working to minimise disruption and we'll be announcing what the diversions will be shortly."