The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing over £300,000 to replace ageing metal gas mains in the Greystone Road area of Carlisle.  The major project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves upgrading over 2km of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers for years to come.

The 14 week project started on Monday 14 March 2016 and the work has been carefully planned in conjunction with the local highways authority.

Works are progressing well, however NGN has been unable to gain access to a large number of properties in Greystone Road, Rydal Street and Broad Street, which are empty due to ongoing refurbishment works, following the flood damage.  It is essential that NGN can gain access in order to restore the gas supply to the properties.

Matty McBride, Construction Services Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “These essential works have been planned in close conjunction with Cumbria County Council to coincide with the flood recovery works in the area.  We do appreciate that a number of residents in the area are in temporary accommodation whilst their homes are restored, however, it is important to gain access to the properties now, to restore the gas supply and to minimise any further disruption in the future.”

Residents of Greystone Road, Rydal Street and Broad Street, where NGN is carrying out essential gas mains replacement works, are asked to contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 77 66 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk to discuss arrangements for an engineer to access the property at a suitable time and date in order to safely restore the gas supply to the property.

Alternatively, residents can contact Cumbria’s dedicated Customer Care Officer; Laura Mahoney on 07866 842128 or by email, lmahoney@northerngas.co.uk who can also assist with arranging access.

NGN is working with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS).  The CCS is a non-profit making independent organisation founded by the construction industry to improve its image.  NGN is registering major projects and larger gas mains replacement sites where work is expected to take more than six weeks to complete.

NGN’s gas mains replacement project on Greystone Road, Carlisle, will be registered for CCS.  The site will have a detailed inspection in due course by a CCS Monitor who will assess and feedback on factors such as the appearance of the site and the environment.

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.