A WINCHESTER resident is in "very real danger" of losing his job due to road works outside his home.

Anthony Richardson and his partner are living through sleepless nights in Southgate Street.

SSEN is currently working in the road to upgrade the city's electricity infrastructure, using load machines whilst the traffic is quiet.

Mr Richardson told the Chronicle: Living in Southgate Street has become pure hell, thanks to Scottish and Southern Electricity.

"Despite the pleas of those of us living here, they continue to dig to the road the entire night and into the morning. My partner and I are in very real danger of losing our jobs as we literally cannot sleep.

"I have tried to get in touch with the council and have had no reply. SSEN told me ‘they’ll try to be quiet’ but nothing has changed. Can anything be done?"

In December 2020, Richard Boles, project manager for the Winchester city centre upgrade, sent an update to local residents.

He said: “As we reach the final programme of works for Winchester, I’d like to thank our customers in advance for the patience and understanding they have already shown SSEN and our project teams as we have worked to upgrade the power supplies to their beautiful city.

“This latest, substantial investment will ensure that local homes and businesses will have a robust power supply to serve those who live and work here for many years to come.”

"While we will do all we can to minimise any possible noise or disruption for those near to the works, I also want to reassure our customers that our engineers are adhering to strict Government guidelines on social distancing, so we can ensure the safety of our colleagues and our customers.

“In the current climate, we are unable to hold a public engagement event to enable residents and business owners to come along, meet the SSEN project team and discuss the works, but we still want our customers to know that we will be available to address any questions raised. With this in mind, we have carried out letter drops to all nearby homes and businesses containing details of the project.”

A SSEN spokesperson 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.

“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 works hard to miminise 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.

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