The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing over £200,000 to upgrade ageing metal gas mains in A688 Staindrop / Barnard Castle area.

This major project is part of NGNs’ ongoing investment in infrastructure in the region and will involve replacing 1.3km 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 project commenced outside of Dunhouse Quarry on Monday 1 February and will progress to Sudburn Bridge.

In order to carry out the works safely and efficiently there will be two way traffic lights in place on the A688 and these will move along the carriageway as the project progresses towards Sudburn Bridge.

Stuart Armin, construction services area manager for NGN, 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 patience and support.”

The project is expected to take approximately 15 weeks to complete.

For further information about the project 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 on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.