Gas boost for Lobley Hill, Gateshead

Homes in Gateshead will be warm as toast this winter – thanks to a £570,000 boost to their gas supplies.

Northern Gas Networks is replacing 7.5 kilometres of metal gas main in Lobley Hill as part of a multi million pound programme of investment across the North.

The scheme, which started in October, centres on 21 residential streets around Knightside Gardens, off Whickham Highway.

And because work is taking place through school holidays, dozens of local school children have had safety talks.

Liaison officer Jackie Gibson, of United Utilities, handed out goodies and advice about the dangers of playing near road works to youngsters at Lobley Hill Primary School and Dunston’s St Philip Neri Primary School.

Northern Gas Networks owns all the gas mains in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Cumbria and, together with its operating partner United Utilities, runs the region’s gas emergency service.

Network Director Chris Gorman said the Lobley Hill scheme was essential for the safety and reliability of local gas supplies. “Our new pipes are made of plastic which is more durable and flexible than traditional pipes. Once in the ground the new mains in Lobley Hill should have a lifespan of around 80 years,” he said.

Northern Gas Networks spends more than £60m a year renewing gas mains to make sure its system remains one of the safest in the world. This year alone almost 530km of its 36,000km network will be made of brand new pipe.

“Projects like the one in Lobley Hill are vital for the continued safety of our system and mean that householders can be sure of service they receive. When the cold weather bites, they know the gas supply will be there to keep their families warm,” added Chris.

The project in Lobley Hill is expected to be complete early in the new year.