Ten days of traffic lights began in Helston this week, causing long delays on the roads.

Now, Wales & West Utilities have responded and explained the reasons behind the work.

Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller for Helston, Roxanne Whittaker said:

"We are working in the Falmouth Road area of Helston to upgrade the gas network. This investment is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"In agreement with Cornwall Council, and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, two and three-way traffic lights are in place along a number of roads in the Falmouth Road area. In order to keep disruption to a minimum, these lights will be manned during peak times.

"Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to complete our work in February.

"We have worked closely with Cornwall Council to plan our work and before starting we wrote to all homes and businesses in the area letting them know what to expect.

"We appreciate that working on roads such as these is not ideal, and we are trying to keep disruption to a minimum. This work really is essential to keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future and can play its part in delivering reliable and affordable green energy.

"Our Customer Service Team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999 or [email protected]. Alternatively, you can contact us on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/WWUtilities."