The North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing more than £350,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network in Briar Bank, Carlisle.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and involves replacing more than 4.3km 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, which began on Thursday 23 November is progressing well with approximately 1.2km of new plastic pipe now in the ground. Work will be suspended from Tuesday 12 December to minimise any traffic delays to Christmas shoppers and will resume in January on the A7 (Kingstown Road).

Matty McBride, Business Operational Leader for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’re investing in the gas mains in Briar Bank to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

“We know that no one likes roadworks and we’re doing all we can to minimise the disruption caused, including temporarily suspending the work during the busy Christmas shopping period.”

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, seven days a week.