THE company behind major electricity works in Winchester has rescheduled its plans to benefit local residents.

As previously reported, Anthony Richardson and his partner were experiencing chronic sleepless nights in Southgate Street.

He said he was close to losing his job due to the noisy SSEN work – taking place directly below his bedroom window.

Now, an SSEN spokesperson has said: “Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has been in discussion with this resident, who lives near to the current works on Southgate Street. He has been extremely understanding of the need for this improvement project which will provide a robust power supply to all nearby homes and businesses, and SSEN halted all night works while these discussions were ongoing.

“SSEN works hard to minimise disruption and noise on any works, so as to cause the least possible inconvenience to those who live and work nearby, and in this instance has altered the working pattern of the project to ensure that the works which have the potential to be slightly noisier have been rescheduled to take place prior to 8.30pm.

“In agreement with the local authority, SSEN is required to continue with the project to ensure that works have moved on from Southgate Street at the earliest opportunity; to benefit the many businesses on the street when they are able to reopen as coronavirus restrictions ease.

“SSEN would like to thank nearby residents and businesses for their patience while these improvement works are carried out.”

The Chronicle has contacted Mr Richardson to speak to him about the improvement.

The city is currently experiencing traffic disruption from roadworks, although the impact is muted by the relatively low traffic levels in lockdown.

Workmen for Southern Gas Networks have been working for nearly two weeks on Durngate near the junction with North Walls and are due to finish this week. Emergency work has been done by Southern Gas Networks on AndoverRoad this week too.