Businesses' relief as 'complex' gas leak repair complete

Ben Best of Dalscone Farm was affected by the closure

Businesses in Dumfries have spoken of their relief following confirmation that "complex" work to fix a gas leak is complete.

The work began last month after reports by a member of the public of a gas escape on the A701 at the Bloomfield roundabout.

It has led to the closure of the road northbound, lengthy delays on the nearby A75 Dumfries bypass, and disruption to a local farm park and a garden centre.

Distribution company SGN has confirmed that the road will reopen on Wednesday.

The works have seen long tailbacks and delays for drivers entering Dumfries

The work was originally scheduled to end on July 18, but this was delayed by slow ground test results following the discovery of a discarded asbestos pipe.

SGN's Waseem Hanif confirmed that "specialist repairs" were now complete.

"Our team began resurfacing over the weekend and work continues at pace," he added.

"Due to the thickness of the tar and the multiple layers of road surface required to restore the carriageway to specification, each stage must be allowed sufficient time to cool and cure properly.

"We're working quickly and safely to complete the process, with the road expected to fully reopen on Wednesday 23 July," he said.

During the roadworks local businesses like Dalscone Farm and Heathhall Garden Centre and its connected coffee shop have remained open.

Ben Best, owner of Dalscone Farm Fun, described the works as "horrendous" but added it was "fantastic" they were ending.

He said it created "awful trading conditions" as the roundabout closure shut off 50% of the access to his property.

"That's been reflected in ticket numbers and turnover and it's been really, really difficult.

"People coming from further afield don't mind it as much - in the grand scheme of things it isn't too bad - but our local customers have just stayed away," he said.

Family-run Heathhall Garden Centre were impacted

Nearby family-run Heathhall Garden Centre had a similar experience.

Both businesses dealt with a recent 11-week drainage project that saw two-way timed traffic lights installed.

But this latest set of works has seen between a 25 and 30% drop off in business for the garden centre, its owner said.

Maria Barr said this level of works hadn't happened in more than 30 years.

"We just have to keep opening the doors hoping the local people that support us day to day come back and continue to support us," she added.

SGN said it was "grateful to the Dumfries community and local businesses" for their continued patience and support as it completed complex and vital work.