Gas works due to last almost six months are set to cause “complete carnage” in a village where three roads are to shut.

The “essential” closures will see the network in Birchington-on-Sea upgraded from old metal pipes to new plastic ones but see a major trunk route blocked off.

Work will begin in Norrie Road in December, but this will not block the route for traffic.

Then the next phase of works from February 5 will see almost half a mile of the A28 Canterbury Road – starting at The Square and Station Road junction to outside house number 357 – closed for more than three months.

On the same day, sections of The Square and Park Lane will also close at their junctions with the A28 - this time for more than three weeks.

When asked by KentOnline for confirmation if the roads would be closed in both directions, SGN, the company responsible for maintaining the gas network, said it would share exact traffic management plans with residents nearer the time.

Residents expect the overlapping road works will cause mass disruption, especially as they will close a key “artery” in the Thanet road network.

Ward councillor Phil Fellows said: “Whilst I understand that some road works are absolutely necessary, it sometimes feels like there’s no co-ordination in scheduling the works.

“Any work that blocks a major artery in Thanet has a knock-on effect across the isle.

“When you have multiple works at the same time it leads to complete carnage.”

The Conservative representative also noted new homes set to be built in the district will only exacerbate the issue.

He added: “Think of when all those new builds planned are occupied - the increase in traffic is going to be unimaginable.”

A spokesman for SGN said: “This work will upgrade our old metal gas mains and services with new plastic pipe.

“This essential work will ensure your community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.

“While the roads are closed, there will be signed diversion routes in place and access will be kept for residents and businesses.

“We understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks, and therefore we only use traffic management that we feel is efficient enough to complete these works safely for ourselves and the public.

“We're writing to residents and other local stakeholders to make them aware of our project and explain the details of our work.”