The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing over £650,000 to safely dismantle and remove its gas holder tank at Curlew Road, Jarrow.
The major project, which will begin on Wednesday 19 July, is expected to take around 19 weeks to complete and will be carried out in conjunction with specialist partner Thompsons of Prudhoe.
NGN is encouraging people to share their memories of the Minton Lane gas holder through its ‘Gas Holder Memories’ campaign by emailing: gasholdermemories@northerngas.co.uk, using #gasholdermemories on social media or in writing to: Northern Gas Networks, 1st Floor, 1 Emperor Way, Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland, SR3 3XR.
For around 100 years gas holders were a vital part of the local gas supply system, responsible for supplying gas to thousands of people across the country. In more recent years the gas holders have been used to bolster the network’s gas supplies during colder weather, and at peak times in the early evenings. However, advances in technology and the enhanced capability of the modern-day gas network mean that gas holders are no longer in use.
NGN is committed to taking down its gas holders in an environmentally responsible way, by recycling as many materials as possible. The company will be using recycling all materials taken away from the site.
Thompsons of Prudhoe have a reputation both locally and nationally for high levels of service and professionalism, having undertaken a large number of demolition and dismantling projects over the years.
Mark Johnson, Project Manager from NGN’s Major Projects team said: “The decision has been made to dismantle the gas holder at Jarrow as it is no longer in use and is costly to maintain. We’ll be working with a specialist contractor to carry out the work in a safe and environmentally responsible way.
“We know how important these structures can be to some communities and we’ll be working closely with local community and stakeholders to give them the opportunity to commemorate the structure as it disappears from the skyline, through hosting art workshops in schools in conjunction with our local community artist.”
NGN is aiming to dismantle 23 of the region’s gas holders by 2021 as part of continued investment in modernising the gas network.
A short film has been made a short film to commemorate NGN’s gas holders.
The project at Jarrow will be registered as a Considerate Constructors Scheme site, following key principles to ensure minimal impact on the environment, customers and the community and observing the highest standards of safety.
For further information about the project please visit www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk, contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 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.
