Gas Boost for North's Cathedral City

A major £77,000 scheme to improve gas supplies in the historic heart of Durham City will start on January 28.

The three-month project involves renewing 500m of old metal gas pipe with modern plastic pipe in and around the Market Place, only a stonesthrow from the world-renowned Durham Cathedral and Castle.

Engineers from United Utilities, who will manage the work, have liaised closely with organisations like the Cathedral, the markets, and the city council to make sure it doesn’t clash with important high-profile events, religious festivals and the daily life of one of the North’s most picturesque tourist hotspots.

And in the Market Place itself, archaeologists will be on standby in case engineers unearth more than just old pipe when they’re digging.

Network Director for Northern Gas Networks Chris Gorman said the last time gas mains work took place in the Market Place, an ancient skeleton was uncovered.

“Our work is vital for the safe-running and reliability of the gas supplies to every home, business and building on Durham’s historic peninsular area. It simply has to be done so people can continue to enjoy the benefits of gas for decades to come. We appreciate how disruptive works of this nature can be, which is why we’re working so hard to ensure it doesn’t disrupt the daily heartbeat of this beautiful and vibrant city,” he said.

“By working together and using the latest pipeline technology we can ensure that it will be business as usual for all the shops and other organisations which have thrived in Durham for centuries.”

One of the technologies being used in the Market Place is live mains insertion. This delicate operation involves sliding the new piece of plastic gas main inside the old cast iron main, while it is still full of gas. This is much quicker and involves less digging than traditional main-laying techniques so the Market Place can return to normal quickly.

The work will take place in five phases, one of which will involve the temporary closure of Saddler Street for five evenings from February 20. The date has been selected to avoid disruption to Cathedral services. Residents are advised to avoid needing to drive through Saddler Street between 7pm and 10pm on affected nights.

Works have also been timed to allow the Freedom Parade through the city by The Rifles regiment on February 17.

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