PUBLICANS in Wylam have blasted road closures that saw the village's Main Road blocked.

Diversions were put in place by Northern Gas Networks as major gasworks were carried out during the summer school holiday period.

The works also caused traffic issues as vehicles used narrow, residential streets.

A social media post described a "Mexican standoff" style situation as drivers used Woodcroft Road to avoid an otherwise 18-mile diversion route.

Northern Gas Networks said at the time, ageing metal gas pipes were being replaced by new, plastic pipes which would be more durable and ensure safe and reliable gas supplies. The work was also being carried out to make the network ready to transport alternative green fuels in the future.

The Courant has now heard from two publicans who both say the works affected trade in the height of summer, with one blasting the fact no compensation has been offered.

Three of the village's four pubs - The Ship Inn, The Black Bull and The Fox and Hounds - are on the Main Road, as well as the Spar and postal services, Co-op, and other amenities.

The C254 on Burgoyne Terrace from its junction with the C257 heading east and the C254 at Laburnum Terrace were also closed during the work.

Northern Gas Networks operations manager Dean Fuller told the Courant: “We’ve worked closely with the local community throughout this project and the response we’ve had has been overwhelmingly positive.

"We did everything we could to minimise disruption from the road closure and managed to get that part of the work done in four weeks rather than six.

"If anyone has questions about any aspect of the work, we’d urge them to please contact our customer care team at  customercare@northerngas.co.uk."

Non "disruptive" work is still being carried out in Wylam by the company.

Northumberland County Council were contacted for comment after complaints were made to the authority while work was ongoing.