Properties evacuated for gas main repair work
BBCFour properties have been evacuated and three businesses closed because of emergency repairs to a gas main.
Work originally started on 22 October in Duke Street in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
On Wednesday, gas firm SGN said emergency repairs had been completed, but the road would remain closed indefinitely while part of the pipe is replaced.
It said affected residents had been allowed to return to their homes.
Alex Foster owns The Caversham Picture Framer, which has been forced to close, and said his business was missing out on the most important time of year.
"So we are potentially losing quite a significant amount of trade at the moment," he said.
"Christmas is the most important time of year for us. It's how we keep the lights on.
"We're not making any money at all and on the flip side of it I still have all my costs."
An SGN spokesperson said: "Our engineers have completed a repair and made the area safe.
"To prevent potential disruption in future, we now need to replace a section of our gas main.
"To do this safely, Duke Street will remain temporarily closed while we work, with a diversion route clearly signposted.
"We're very sorry for the disruption being caused and are grateful for the patience and understanding shown by the local community."
