£2m gas improvements for Fenham

Work is due to start on a £2.2 million investment by Northern Gas Networks to upgrade the gas supply network in the Fenham area of Newcastle.

The gas mains improvement project will start on 10th May and involves replacing around 22.5 km of old metal gas mains with modern, more reliable plastic ones. The essential gas work sees United Utilities and Balfour Beatty working on behalf of the region’s gas pipeline owner, Northern Gas Networks in more than thirty streets in Fenham and it is expected that the work will finish in March 2011.

The first phase of the work will start in Kirton Avenue, Lewis Drive, Bavington Drive and Grange Road. Northern Gas Networks and United Utilities apologise for any inconvenience experienced by residents and traders while these essential gas works are carried out. A customer liaison officer will visit the works regularly to discuss the improvements with residents and traders.

In addition, an information drop in service will be in operation every Wednesday between 11am and 2pm at Westgate Centre for Sport where residents will be able to find out information relating to the work being carried out near their homes.

Northern Gas Networks’ Director Chris Gorman said: “This is a major gas main renewal project and will ensure that the safety and reliability of the gas network in Fenham is greatly improved. We will do everything we can to minimise any disruption.

“This year, Northern Gas Networks will invest £80 million renewing gas mains to ensure that our system remains one of the safest in the world. The good news is that our new plastic pipes are more durable and flexible and have a lifespan of at least 80 years.”