The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), has been forming new friendships after visiting Middlesbrough community group Stepping Stones Friendship Group and supporting Marton Community Centre.

NGN is currently carrying out a 22-week essential gas mains replacement project on Birchwood Road, Middlesbrough, which involves replacing 10km of old metal pipes with more durable plastic ones.

The £860,000 investment project, which began in May is registered as a Considerate Constructors Scheme site.

As part of the Scheme’s pledges, NGN’s Customer Care team visit local schools and charities to explore ways of making a difference to the lives of people living where engineers are working.

Stepping Stones Friendship Group

Jackie Gibson, Customer Care Officer for NGN and engineer Dave Parkinson, have been working alongside Stepping Stones Friendship Group to raise awareness of Carbon Monoxide and highlighting the dangers it presents.

Stepping Stones Friendship Group supports people in Middlesbrough who are bereaved and live alone. The group ensures that everyone who visits maintains a social life and has a friend to talk to.

Jackie and Dave provided vital information on carbon monoxide poisoning as well as updating the group on the gas mains replacement works taking place on Birchwood Road.

Beverley Cave, a member of Stepping Stones Friendship Group said: “Jackie and Dave’s interaction with the group was great; the information given was spot on and made for an informative and interesting afternoon. The majority of the group didn’t have Carbon Monoxide alarms and so now we will be purchasing them.’’

As well as visiting Stepping Stones, NGN has donated £500 to Marton Community Centre, which houses a number of groups including an arts and crafts group and youth club.

Community Care Officer, Jackie Gibson said: “At NGN we fully appreciate the impact our works can have on customers, and would like to thank the local residents for their patience and understanding. Their co-operation has been fantastic throughout.  As a small gesture of thanks we would like to contribute £500 towards the local community centre.”

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.