Mains gas brings Colden comfort

Northern Gas Networks is investing half a million pounds to bring mains gas to a Calderdale village in time for winter.
The area’s gas pipeline owner spotted the opportunity when it became clear that an LPG tank supplying 13 homes in Colden was nearing the end of its natural life.
In total, engineers will lay around 3km of modern, plastic pipe along Smithwell Lane to Colden village. Work is already underway and is expected to be complete by late October.
Once in place, Northern Gas Networks will connect the existing LPG customers to the new main before removing the redundant LPG tank.
The new supply brings mains gas within the reach of around 60 additional properties in the area. Information on getting a connection will be made available.
Max Tasker, Landlord of the New Delight Inn said: “Its great news for Colden, a real boost to a village that can sometimes be overlooked.
“Its been a pleasant surprise to learn that a big company like Northern Gas Networks thinks about a small community like ours and is prepared to invest in its future.”
“The benefits are clear, it’s cheaper and more convenient and we won’t need to worry about running out of gas over a harsh winter ever again.” He said.
In order to carry out the work safely temporary traffic lights will be in operation on Smithwell Lane to allow road-users to pass our works safely. The lights will move
along the road as work progresses. When engineers reach the Colden end of the project, a short section of the road will need to be closed where it is particularly narrow. This will be carried out during the school holidays to minimise disruption. A signed diversion route will be in operation. There will be no parking opposite the works when engineers are laying the new gas main at the Heptonstall end of the works.
Northern Gas Networks Customer Liaison Officers will be on-site at key stages of the project to ensure that the local community is kept up to date on progress and that any disruption is minimised.
Colden had a mains gas supply until 1970 when the pipes were abandoned and an LPG supply installed. Forty years later the tank has reached the end of its working life and it has been decided to restore a mains supply.
John O’Grady, Director of Communications at Northern Gas Networks said: “The reaction among the local community has been overwhelmingly positive – it seems that residents are as excited about this opportunity as we are.”
The work in Colden is in addition to a £1.6m investment across Calderdale this year to upgrade the areas gas mains and part of Northern Gas Networks overall annual £83m pound investment package.
John O’Grady continued: “Northern Gas Networks has a commitment to running a safe and efficient gas distribution network. We plan ahead and carry out upgrades in good time to ensure a continued safe and reliable supply of gas to our 2.4 million customers – the work in Colden is part of this.
“Many of us take mains gas for granted but among rural communities it’s not uncommon to be on LPG, oil or coal which are less environmentally friendly and often more expensive forms of energy. Extending our network to Colden is a boost to the local infrastructure and moreover, it’s something people really want.”