The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing over £28k to upgrade the ageing gas mains in North Bailey, Durham.

The essential project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing more than 200m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Durham for years to come.

The ageing gas mains have required several repairs in recent years and, as a result, NGN have prioritised the pipe for replacement this year in order to minimise any future inconvenience.

The four-week project, which is due to start on Monday 9 October, has been carefully planned in conjunction with Durham County Council.

In order to carry out these works safely and efficiently, they will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to local businesses and residents. The works will start at the junction of Bow Lane and North Bailey and finish at the junction of Owengate.

Due to the position of the gas main, a road closure from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 3pm, will be necessary, however the road will be open outside of these times.

Shops and business in the area will remain open as usual throughout the duration of the project.

NGN will be holding two customer information meetings at Alington House Community Association, 4 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET at 5pm and 6pm on Monday 4 September, where customers can come along to find out more about the works and ask any questions they may have.

The first information session will start at 5pm prompt where there will be a brief presentation and overview of the works followed by an opportunity for customers to ask any questions. The second session at 6pm will follow the same format.

NGN’s Customer Care officers will be door knocking local homes and businesses to make customers aware of the work, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work happening in the area.

Dean Fuller, Site Manager for NGN, said: “We fully appreciate the impact our works can have on customers, and would like to thank the local businesses and residents for their patience and understanding.

“We are working closely with Durham County Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers. We will endeavour to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible and 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 carry out this essential upgrade.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766, option 3 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.