Gas Boost for Middlesbrough

Hundreds of homes in Middlesbrough are getting a boost to their gas supplies as part of a £487,000 project to improve their gas mains.

The work involves renewing more than five kilometres of gas main in 17 streets in and around Aylton Drive, Acklam.

The old iron main which has served the community well for many years is being replaced with modern plastic pipe which is even more durable and long-lasting.

Chris Gorman, Network Director for Northern Gas Networks, said the work was essential to ensure gas supplies remained safe for decades to come.

“We invest millions of pounds every year in the gas mains network, to ensure it remains fit for purpose, but at almost half a million pounds, this scheme in Middlesbrough one of the largest schemes we have carried out in the region in recent years.

“It’s vital that we replace pipes to make sure gas supplies stay safe and reliable and this year alone we will replace around 550km across the region.”

The scheme will be complete by the end of May and will also involve replacing service pipes to hundreds of individual homes. Work has been planned carefully with Middlesbrough Council.

Network operations manager Harry Grey, of United Utilities, added: “With work of this nature it’s inevitable that there will be some disruption and inconvenience for local people. We’re sorry about that but we will do everything possible to keep it to a minimum. The good news is that once the work is done we should not need to go back for many, many years.”