The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing around £60,000 to upgrade ageing metal gas mains at Station Road, Hebburn.

The major project is part of NGn’s ongoing investment in the area’s gas infrastructure and involves replacing 500m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Hebburn for years to come.

The six week project started in January and is expected to be complete in March. The works have been carefully planned in conjunction with South Tyneside Council.

Shops and businesses have remained open as usual throughout the project and every effort has been made to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses and motorists including consultations with local councillors.

Customer Care officers door knocked local homes and businesses in advance of the works to make residents and business owners aware of the work and advise motorists of the traffic management measures in place.

In order for these works to be carried out safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to suspend parking bays along Station Road for a short time. This will be from Wednesday 15 February on an as needed basis.

Fergal O’Donovan, Customer Operations Area Manager for Northern Gas Networks said: “We have worked closely with the local council to carefully plan these works to ensure disruption to residents, businesses and motorists is kept to a minimum.”

“We have been working closely with stakeholders and the local community throughout these works, sharing daily updates with those affected.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works and thank everyone for their patience and support while we work to carry out this essential upgrade as quickly and safely as possible.”

The Station Road project is registered as a Considerate Constructors site, the key principles are to ensure minimal impact to the environment, customers and the community and the highest standards of safety.

For further information about the project please contact NGn’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.