Gas works that were previously slated by local businesses for “killing” trade are set to return.

Those along Halfway Road on Sheppey had criticised SGN for carrying out repairs during their busiest time of year.

The pipe-replacement project had initially started on November 4 last year and was set to go on until December 23.

Several business owners along the stretch of road reported a massive slump in sales after work started.

Fred Ford, owner of Klondyke Cafe, told Kentonline at the time that there was a diversion route for drivers, but congestion was putting off customers from visiting.

He said: “People have only got a certain amount of time for a lunch break, they would call in and have 35 to 40 minutes to eat on their way around.

“But with the diversion, which takes anything

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