Gas work has led to parts of Hanley city centre to be cordoned off until 17 November, however this is just the start as more works are due to take place after the new year.

As part of the work large sections of paved footpaths, which cost millions to install, are being ripped up to get to the gas pipes underneath.

The work is part of a month-long replacement program in the area which started on 16 October and will finish on 17 November. As part of the work large sections of the pavement have been cordoned off while work takes place. 

Several shoppers said they understood that important gas work needed to take place. John Hurst from Burslem said: "If work needs to be done it has to be done there is no point moaning about it."

However, Colin Simpson who was visiting for the day said: "It is a bit of a pain but I understand that it needs to be done. I hope they don't just tarmac where they've been because it will look a right mess."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said all work will be inspected once completed to identify any problems (Nub News).

Earlier in the year paving slabs laid on the carriageway along Albion Street were replaced with tarmac. They had been laid during a £10 million public realm project by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Cadent have confirmed that the current work taking place is expected to be completed by mid-November. In addition they have sourced replacement paving slabs which will be laid on completion of the work.

Courtney Murray, Cadent's Head of Investment Planning (West Midlands), said: "The works being undertaken in Tontine Street are the first phase of a mains replacement programme which is expected to be completed in mid-November. We have been in contact with the local council to discuss the paving slabs that had to be removed and we are pleased to confirm that replacements have been sourced and will be laid once the work has been completed."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said that all work will be inspected once completed to identify any problems. In a statement Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet support member for city pride and enforcement, said: "We have spoken to Cadent about these works and future works in Hanley which are due to take place in the new year.

"We can confirm that the footways will be reinstated to match the original materials; however, as these works are part of a bigger project, there may be times when the footways are reinstated with a different material for a short, temporary period. All of the works will be inspected upon final completion and any defects which have been identified will be rectified as soon as possible."

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