The North of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £180,000 to upgrade ageing metal gas mains in Skipton.

This major project is part of NGNs’ ongoing replacement of infrastructure in the region and will involve replacing approximately 300m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project will commence on Otley Street at the junction with High Street on Tuesday 5 January and will progress along Otley Street. The work will take approximately 8 weeks to complete.

Dean Woolley, Construction Services Area Manager Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with Skipton Town Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the Skipton Chamber of Commerce to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise any disruption caused.

“The work is being carried out in the New Year at the request of the Council and Skipton Chamber of Commerce, as it is the quietest time of the year.

“To ensure that we complete the work as soon as possible our engineers will be working seven days a week from 8.30am to 4pm.”

In order to carry out works safely and efficiently it will be necessary to put a moving road closure in place on Otley Street for the duration of the project.  A diversion route will be clearly marked for motorists.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and shops and businesses will remain open as usual.

Dean concluded: “We would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank members of the public for their patience and support.”

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 on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.