Engineers from Northern Gas Networks are carrying out emergency repair work to a medium pressure gas main on Park Head Bank in New Coundon.

In order to carry out this work safely and efficiently it has been necessary to install temporary two way traffic lights at Park Head Bank on the A688.

Unfortunately this is causing some disruption to traffic travelling between Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland.

Steve Pigott, customer operations area manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused while we carry out work to repair the gas main.

“The safety of members of the public is our number one priority and would like to reassure members of the public that we will do all we can to complete this work as quickly as possible.”

If you smell gas you should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. Your call will be answered any time day or night and an engineer will be sent out to assess the situation promptly.