AN essential upgrade to an ageing gas pipe had to be abandoned because motorists were ignoring road signs and endangering workers.

Gas network Cadent was forced to halt work on the pipe, beneath Crompton Way, as drivers were ignoring signs stopping them from turning left from the junction with Tonge Moor Road.

Workers had only been on site for about a couple of days when the firm took the decision that it was not safe to continue.

Kevin Heggarty, of Cadent, said: “Unfortunately from day one some people were ignoring that left turn. Even though the sign explicitly said don’t turn left and the cones made it obvious that the lane was closed, people were moving into the other lane which was dangerous to our workforce in the road and also dangerous to other motorists.We made a quick decision not to carry on - it was not appropriate to carry on.”

He continued: “For us it was an essential piece of work. We can understand people’s frustration at the disruption , but equally we are not going to take any risks with anyone’s safety. We did a lot of work talking to residents and businesses down that road , so for us to have to pull that job within a day or two was frustrating.” The firm is now discussing an alternative plan with highways bosses.