The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing over £46,000 to replace ageing metal gas mains in Sunderland Road, South Shields.

The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 700m 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 three week project is due to start on Monday 12 October 2015 and the work has been carefully planned in conjunction with the local highways authority.

In order to carry out the works safely and efficiently there will be two-way traffic lights in place on Sunderland Road which will move down the road as the project progresses towards the A1300 roundabout.

Three way traffic lights will also be in place at the junctions of Grosvenor Gardens and North Avenue whilst works are being carried out in this area.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door knocking local homes and businesses this week to make customers aware of the work.

John Richardson, Customer Operations Area Manager, 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 any disruption caused.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank members of the public for their understanding.”

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.