GAS provider Cadent has thanked motorists for their patience, as King Street reopens following lengthy works.

The road closed in January to allow engineers to install a large new gas main underneath the carriageway, and fully reopened on Saturday, May 12.

The 3km stretch of the A530 runs from Rudheath to Middlewich, and workers faced the challenge of crossing three waterways as well as coping with the Beast from the East.

A spokesman said it was the company's 'biggest job in north west England in years'.

They added: "The job’s now done – we finished on Saturday, gas is flowing through the new pipe to 10,000+ homes and traffic is flowing freely above it.

"We know we’ve caused disruption as, for everyone's safety, we had to close the road. So thanks for the incredible patience and understanding you’ve shown.

"Thanks in particular to Molly and Rev Peter at St Mary’s Church, for your help in arranging a number of meetings with residents."