The North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £370,000 to upgrade the gas distribution network in Keswick.

The 20-week project, which began in September, is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers for years to come.

It involves replacing around 2km of existing metal gas main with new, more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the safe, reliable and continuous supply of gas to customers in Keswick for years to come.

The project is registered as a Considerate Constructor Scheme (CCS) site, which sees NGN’s Customer Care team visit local schools and organisations to explore ways of making a difference to the lives of people living where engineers are working.

As part of the CCS work to minimise inconvenience and disruption for residents during the works, a meeting was held between NGN and Cumbria County Council, to explore whether resurfacing in Skiddaw Street could be carried out at the same time as the ongoing gas works.

The collaboration was agreed by both parties, and work to resurface Skiddaw Street will now be carried out on Monday, 9 December.

Skiddaw Street will be closed to traffic during this time, and motorists are advised to find alternative parking while the work is taking place.

Jeff Oliver, Reinstatement Officer for NGN, said: “We’re delighted that the council has approved this collaborative work to be carried out at the same time as our gas mains replacement scheme.

“Along with safety, reducing the impact of roadworks on customers is one of our top priorities at NGN, and by working with the council on Skiddaw Street, we’re very happy to be minimising future disruption for our customers here.”

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local residents and businesses to make customers aware of the work.

On-site signage will advise motorists of the work taking place.

Regular updates will also be available on NGN’s website northerngasnetworks.co.uk, Twitter @NGNgas and Facebook @northerngasnetworks.

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.