Gas engineers make way for the Rifles

Gas engineers in Durham city are piping down - to make way for a major parade.

Northern Gas Networks has called its engineers out of the city's Market Place to make sure their essential work does not affect people's enjoyment of the Freedom Parade by the Rifles Regiment, which takes place on Sunday.

All pipes, signs and barriers will be removed and the flagstones replaced by Friday. But workmen will be back on Monday to start the next phase of the mammoth £75,000 scheme.

Northern Gas Networks, the region's gas pipeline company, is replacing 500m of old metal gas main in Durham city centre with modern plastic pipe, which is more durable and long-lasting.

The scheme is vital for the ongoing safety and reliability of gas supplies to much of the city's peninsular area.

Barry Watson of United Utilities, which is managing the scheme, said the timing of the work was critical to avoid disrupting important city centre events. Both United Utilities and contractors Balfour Beatty have liaised closely with local people.

"The Rifles parade is the first big event we have had to work around. After speaking with local organisations, we have planned the project in five phases to cause as little disruption as possible," he said.

The next phase of work will involve replacing the length of main down Silver Street and across Framwellgate Bridge and is expected to last two months.

On February 20, the entrance to Saddler Street will be closed from 7pm for several hours to allow exploratory work on another section of pipeline. The road will be open during the day. This work may continue over a number of week nights. Residents are advised to monitor Northern Gas Networks' website for updates on the scheme www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk

United Utilities' customer liaison officer Denise O'Donnell and engineer James Mann, from Balfour Beatty, with the new gas pipe to be laid in Durham Market Place.