The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £265,000 to upgrade the ageing gas mains in Gallows Bank, Hexham.
The essential project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 1.8km 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 16 week project, which is due to start on Monday 25 July 2016, has been carefully planned in conjunction with Northumberland County Council and will take place during the school holidays to minimise disruption to the local community.
In order to carry out works safely and efficiently, the works will be carried out in four phases. During Phase One a road closure will be in place on Eastgate for approximately four weeks from 25 July. A signed diversion will be in place for motorists, and access for residents and pedestrians will be maintained at all times.
Phase Two of the works will began outside St Wilfreds Lodge and progress to Greenbank Cottage and from Corner Cottage to the junction of Stoneleigh. The works in this area will take approximately four weeks to complete and the road will be closed, however access will be maintained for residents.
Phase Three of the works will be undertaken on Gallows Bank and will progress to the junction of Tyneview Terrace. The final phase of work will see NGN replace the gas mains in Tyneview Terrace. No traffic management will be necessary during the final two phases of the work.
Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual throughout the project.
NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local homes and businesses to make customers aware of the work, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work happening in the area.
NGN recently held a community drop in session in the area where customers were invited to find out more about the work and meet the team. The session was well attended and provided an opportunity for customers to ask questions and share their views.
Richie Manuel, Construction Services Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “The gas mains in Gallows Bank have been in place since 1935 and have come to the end of their useful life. We have been working closely with the local council to carefully plan these works to upgrade the pipes and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.
“We will endeavour to carry out this work as quickly and safely as possible and will be sure to keep customers updated as the work progresses.
“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works and thank everyone for their patience and support while we work to carry out this essential upgrade.”
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.
