Blaydon to Get Gas Improvements

Homes and businesses in Blaydon are set for a massive £450,000 improvement to their gas supply network.

Work has already started to renew gas mains in 18 streets. The work is being carried out by United Utilities on behalf of the region’s gas pipeline owner Northern Gas Networks. The streets benefiting from the replacement gas mains are Tynebank, Thornton Crescent, Chesmond Drive, Ryshley Crescent, Broomlea Court, Abingdon Court, Juniper court, Lawrence Avenue, Bedahill, Lawrence Court, Jobling Avenue, Cromwell Avenue, Hillside, River View, Heddon view, Westway, Denton View and Wylam View.

In total, a massive 5km of old metal mains will be replaced with modern plastic pipe to ensure the safety and reliability of gas supplies in the town for decades to come. The work is expected to take up to the end of June to complete and is one of the largest replacement projects in the region.

United Utilities apologise for any inconvenience caused to motorists, businesses and residents while these essential gas works are carried out. A Customer Liaison Officer will make regular visits to the area to ensure that residents and businesses are informed of progress. This will include visits to local schools to ensure that safety messages about the dangers of playing near excavations are given to the children who live in the area.

Northern Gas Networks’ Director Chris Gorman said everything possible would be done to keep the inconvenience of the work to a minimum. “This is a considerable project and is part of the £82 million a year that Northern Gas Networks spends renewing gas mains to make sure its system remains one of the safest in the world.” he said.

“The good news is that our new plastic pipes are more durable and flexible and once in the ground will have a lifespan of at least 80 years.”