PLANS to upgrade electricity lines in Ascot have been altered to prevent disruptions during the school exam period.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) have invested £7.4 million into boosting power supply in the area through the undergrounding of sections of cables.

The company have decided to revise its plan and will avoid working near Charters school.

However, parents expressed their concerns over the disruptions this would cause during GCSE and A level examinations and their children getting to and from Charters School.

Anthony Horne, project manager at SSEN, said: "At our last engagement event, SSEN was made aware that plans to work between Station Hill and the A30 during May and June was going to coincide with the important exam period at Charters School.

"We fully appreciate that this is already a stressful time for pupils and their families, and had no desire to add to that stress."

Representatives of SSEN met with concerned residents, parents and business owners to talk about its project between Ascot and Chobham to try and come to a compromise.

READ MORE: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks come to a compromise with Ascot businesses

Anthony added: "Since we were made aware of the timing, we have been working with Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Highways Department and Surrey County Council to agree to a revised and mutually acceptable programme that avoids working near the school.

"This is a great example of why we hold public engagement meetings, as our aim is to minimise disruption to our customers, while maximising the safety of our colleagues and our customers who may be in the vicinity of this project."

Despite this, traders are still concerned as to how the road works will affect their customers and profits.

Joy McDonnell, Coco boutique owner, said: "Summer is our season and we have lots of clients that we will just lose out on. It is unbelievable."

Letter drops will continue to be carried out to homes and businesses to update them on the phases of the project as it reaches their immediate area.

Visit: www.roadworks.org. for traffic updates.