Essential works to upgrade the gas mains in Masham have been put on hold temporarily due to extreme weather conditions in the area.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is investing £340,000 to insert a brand new 1.5km medium pressure gas main using innovative new techniques under the River Ure to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The four week project was due to start Tuesday 5 January 2016 but has been postponed after the area was flooded due to rising water levels at Masham where the River Ure is currently at 1.16 metres.

Stuart Armin, Construction Area Manager at Northern Gas Networks said: “Due to the inclement weather we are experiencing we will be unable to start our essential works on the river crossing at Masham.  After much consideration we have taken the decision to postpone the project as the current conditions would deem it unsafe to carry out the works at this moment in time.”

He continued: “We will continue to work closely with the local Highways Authority and Parrish Council to reschedule the works to take place when it is safe to do so.  Unfortunately this delay has been unavoidable and we are very sorry for the inconvenience the postponement of works may cause.  We would like to thank the residents of Masham for their patience and understanding.”

For further information about the project please visit www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk, 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.