Scottish Gas Networks (SGN) said engineers will start the works – which will involve upgrading the low pressure pipe system by inserting a plastic pipe inside the existing metal pipe – on April 20.

During the works, initially scheduled to begin in February, holes will be drilled along the road to connect the domestic supply to the road-side properties.

A spokeswoman from SGN said: “Our works will start with a small section of work in Bainfield Road, outside number 19, and we will also, at the same time, start our works in Main Road.

“Our works on Main Road will be followed by our works in the residential streets – Park Terrace, Kirkton Road, Bainfield Road, Graham Crescent, and Burnfoot.

“We will be able to provide more information on this nearer to the start date of our works, and also as our works progress.” Representatives from SGN met Cardross Community Council and members of the public on Monday, March 16 to give updates on the planned works and address any concerns from the public.

During the information session by SGN, concerns were raised about potential disruption to the supply of gas to homes during the works.

In response, James Harkin, team manager at SGN, said any disruption would be small and would only occur for a short time while homes are reconnected to the new gas supply.

He added: “We have to maintain supplies. We will turn off the supply to homes in the morning and it will come back on in the afternoon.” He emphasised that residents would be informed before any gas works were carried out affecting their homes. A number of concerns were also raised regarding disruption to Main Road – which has a heavy traffic flow and regular bus services – while the work is carried out.

James said SGN would try to have ‘overnight restrictions’ on traffic to try and alleviate any disruption. There were also a number of queries put forward about how communication would be carried out to keep people informed of developments during the works.

In response, an SGN representative said: “It’s a matter for the contractors and traffic management to let BBC and Transport Scotland know but we’ll put updates on Twitter and Facebook.” The gas works in Cardross are expected to last between 16 and 20 weeks and are due to finish in early October.

Engineers will upgrade the low pressure pipe system by inserting a plastic pipe – which has a minimum life span of 80 years – inside the existing metal pipe to minimise the number of excavations required.

A spokeswoman from SGN said people will be informed of the progress of the works and the company would strive to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.

She added: “We have planned our project with the local authority to minimise disruption as much as possible. Where possible we will be using an insertion technique which involves using the existing gas main as a ‘sleeve’ which minimises the number of excavations required in the road.

“We intend to hold an open meeting for anyone in the community to come along to prior to our works starting where we’ll be happy to answer any questions they may have.

“Once the date for this meeting has been confirmed we will let you know.

“If anyone has any questions during our works our Team Manager will be on site regularly and he will also be located at our site office, at the junction of Main Road with Park Terrace, every Monday between 9am and 11am.

“We will have information signage on site and we will also be attending the community council meetings throughout the course of our works to keep everyone briefed through progress updates, and providing information on the next stage of the project.” Tony Davey, convener of Cardross Community Council, said: “SGN will obviously be at community council meetings during the period of operation. It is appreciated that the works will cause some delays in the flow of traffic but SGN have ensured us that the traffic management system will cope.”