Sir.-Scottish and Southern Energy has been working in Basingstoke since September laying cables from Jays Close to the main electricity substation on Ringway East.

There is a common misconception that these works are being carried out by Hampshire County Council at the council taxpayers' expense. They are not.

These works are being promoted and undertaken solely by Scottish and Southern Energy and are not the responsibility of the county council.

There have been many complaints from the public about the disruption these works are causing, and also about the standard of reinstatement in Grove Road, Jays Close, Hackwood Road, and on the cycleway from Basing Road to Eastrop.

Scottish and Southern Energy has a right to work in the road - with a corresponding duty to reinstate it to a high standard.

The county council has made strenuous efforts over the last three months to ensure the utility company abides by its duties under the New Roads and Streetworks Act, and will continue to do so.

-Councillor Keith Estlin, Executive Member for Environment, Hampshire County Council.