The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £265,000 to upgrade the ageing gas mains in Gallows Bank, Hexham.

The essential project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing 1.8km 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 16 week project began on Monday 25 July 2016, carefully planned in conjunction with Northumberland County Council to take place during the school holidays in order to minimise disruption to the local community.

Customer Care officers doorknocked local homes and businesses in advance of the scheme to make residents aware of the work and advise motorists of the traffic management measures in place.

Works are progressing well and have now reached the half-way stage. In order to complete the current phase as safely and efficiently as possible, a road closure will be in place from Dipton Mill Road to Hackwood Glade until September 30.

Phase Three will take place from Hackwood Glade to Shield Croft Farm on Gallows Bank, with the final phase scheduled to start on Tyne View Terrace at the end of October. The entire project is expected to be complete by Friday 11 November.

NGN will be holding a community forum in the Teasdale Room, Hexham Enterprise Hub, Eastburn, Southpark, Hexham, NE46 1BS from 5.30pm on Monday 26 September, to discuss Phase Three and possible traffic management in greater detail. The project manager will be available to speak to customers and answer any questions they may have.

Richie Manuel, Construction Services Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with the local council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We will endeavour to carry out this work as quickly and safely as possible and will be sure to keep customers updated as the work progresses.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works and thank everyone for their patience and support while we work to carry out this essential upgrade.”

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 immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.