A HAMPSHIRE town's high street will be closed to traffic for up to seven weeks to enable engineers to install a new gas main.

South Gas Networks wants to close Ringwood's main shopping street so that the existing iron pipe can be replaced with a plastic version.

The company says it will be liasing with local businesses to try to minimise disruption.

Southern Gas Networks spokesman Denis Kerby said: "We're in the planning process for the job and are currently arranging closure with the Highways Authority.

"Diversions will be put in place and more information will be available shortly."

Mr Kerby stressed that the High Street would remain open to pedestrians during the project, which would involve replacing a 6in cast-iron main with a plastic one as part of a 30-year rolling maintenance plan.

Barbara Kennar, chairman of the chamber of trade, said the work would be detrimental to businesses but stressed that the impact would be reduced if delivery access were maintained.

She added: "The closure could also been seen in a positive light as a pilot scheme for the possible pedestrianisation of the High Street."