The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing over £170,000 to upgrade the ageing gas distribution network in Brunswick Road, Castlegate and Middlegate, Penrith.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing around 900m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project which began on Monday 1 August and is expected to last a further ten weeks, with an estimated finish date of Friday 28 October, has been planned in conjunction with Cumbria County Council to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption as possible.

In order to complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible Brunswick Road will be closed from Monday 15 August for four weeks.  Work will then progress onto Castlegate, which will be closed to traffic and then finally Middlegate, which will again be closed during the work.  Signed diversion routes will be in place throughout the project.

NGN’s customer care team has been keeping local residents and customers informed about the work through door knocking, letters and signage on site. Customers are also being invited to drop into the customer cabin on Brunswick Road where the team will be on hand every Thursdays between 11am and 2pm, to answer any questions about the work as it progresses.

Shops and businesses will remain open as usual and access will maintained for pedestrians and motorists at all times.

Jamie Wright, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Cumbria County Council to carefully plan this project.  The work was originally scheduled for earlier this year, however was moved back due to damage caused by the recent floods.

“We will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers and would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works.  We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and support in getting them completed as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.