In order to meet the Journal’s publishing deadline I estimate SGN would have told the newspaper by January 23 at the latest [about the Castle Street road works]. 

It therefore strikes me that to schedule the start of the roadworks two weeks in advance with gas leaking all the time suggests the remedial works are “routine” and not “urgent”. 

Now, if we accept the work must be done “urgently”, the question now is: will SGN workers be working all available daylight hours, nine hours this time of year, seven days a week? 

Or will it be the usual utility working practice - half a day here and half a day there? 

My guess is it will be the latter because there will be no oversight by the relevant authorities.

This proposed work will disrupt traffic flow on the strategic main routes around Salisbury and highlights yet again the need for a proper ring road to be built.  

Perhaps the forthcoming traffic chaos as large HGVs try to find a way round the city will demonstrate this.  

Finally, I dread to think how the emergency services are going to cope with the probable gridlock.  
I presume someone has given this some thought and planning.

Name and address supplied

Send letters by email to newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk or by post to Editor, Salisbury Journal, Suite B (Ground Floor), Milford House, Milford Street, Salisbury, SP1 2BP.