Engineers work around the clock for Robbie

Gas engineers worked through the night in Wetherby town centre to minimise traffic disruption ahead of the massive Robbie Williams gigs at Roundhay Park.

United Utilities temporarily cleared its roadworks site in Boston Road in the nick of time to ensure Robbie fans did not come undone by traffic queues.

The company is carrying out around £20,000 improvements to Wetherby’s gas network on behalf of Northern Gas Networks.

Work began on September 4 and is expected to be completed this Friday (September 15).

Richard Hynes-Cooper, United Utilities network operations manager said: “This vital work will improve reliability of gas supplies in Wetherby.  We always strive to be a ‘good neighbour’ and for this scheme worked at periods that are convenient to traders and the community. On this job we have worked through the night and at weekends.

“We suggested to the local council that we could temporarily clear up the site in time for the Robbie Williams concerts.  A lot of concert traffic used this route so we were happy to temporarily suspend operations to prevent traffic congestion.”

United Utilities wants to thank the community for their support while this vital gas scheme has taken place.

Mr Hynes-Cooper added: “We want to thank residents and traders for their patience. The community has been very supportive and we should be finished at the end of this week.”