Blaydon Kids Race to Stay Safe

‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’ is the message that youngsters in Blaydon are helping to spread after a visit from Northern Gas Networks.

The safety-conscious pupils from Parkhead Community Primary School worked with the north’s gas pipeline owner and United Utilities to learn how to act safely and responsibly while road works are in place close to their school.

The Play Safe Stay Safe programme last year saw Northern Gas Network’s, Customer Liaison Officers talking to more than 16,000 youngsters all over the North East and Cumbria. During the visits, the children are shown the dangers of playing near to excavations; they get the chance to try on personal protective equipment and are able to view barriers, cones and signage in a safe environment.

Customer Liaison Officer Jacqueline Gibson explained why the scheme was important.” Every year, Northern Gas Networks invests more than £80 million to renew gas mains across the North of England. This means hundreds of essential road works schemes, many of which take place during the school holidays when the children are out playing.”

Northern Gas Networks is investing £1.1 million by replacing more than 11km of old metal pipes with modern plastic ones. The six month project started in January with the work being carried out by Northern Gas Networks operating partners United Utilities and Balfour Beatty.

During March, teams will start work on: Shibdon Road, Crocus Close, Iris Close, Parkhead Gardens, Gibside View, lily Close, Heddon View, Back Lane, Briar Close, Snowdrop close, North Street, Tulip Close and Longridge. Three-way traffic lights will be in place at the T-junction of Shibdon Road and Axwell Park Road. Two-way lights will be in operation on Black Lane at the junction with North Street and also on Heddon View at its junction with Back Lane.

Peter Bates, Operations Manager at United Utilities said: “The pupils are now great ambassadors for safety in the region. They are helping us to spread the message that road works are just like building sites and need to be treated with respect. Playing near them or tinkering with equipment like barriers, pipes and signs can put them and other people at risk.”

Peter added: “Safety is paramount in everything we do, but we can’t be at every road works site 24-hours a day. We really appreciate the help that all the youngsters have given us in helping to spread this important safety message.

United Utilities runs the region’s gas emergency service on behalf of Northern Gas Networks and responds free to gas leaks 24-hours a day.