Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Thornaby, near Stockton.

The essential work will last for six weeks. The ageing metal pipework is now being replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers.

The project has been planned in collaboration with Stockton Council, and is being carried out in line with Government guidelines for safe working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In order for engineers to carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be necessary.

• Temporary traffic lights are now in place on Thornaby Road at the junction of Lanehouse Road; operational from 8am daily, until Monday 30 November
• As of Monday 23 November, there will also be temporary traffic lights at the junction of Lanehouse Road and Westbury Street for a further two weeks. These lights will be operational from 8am daily.

Signs are in place to alert motorists to the temporary lights, and drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers and the community, the majority of the work is being carried out in the street, following Government guidelines for safe distance working wherever possible. There are also extra safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid-19 secure.

Steve Pigott, Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Thornaby.

“NGN is continuing to carry out essential services while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current lockdown in England.

“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

As well as NGN’s critical service (which include responding to gas emergencies, carrying out emergency repairs and critical maintenance activities) engineers are continuing to carry out work to upgrade critical infrastructure, including planned work to replace ageing metal gas pipes, where most of the work can be carried out safely in the street. While working outside, our engineers will social distance as much as possible.

Engineers will only request entry to a customer’s property if it is absolutely necessary; in order to ensure their safety, to keep the gas supply flowing, or at a customer’s request. They will distance work as much as possible and may also ask customers to open a window or stay in another room while they are at work. They may also ask customers whether they would feel comfortable wearing a face mask while work is being carried out inside the property. Customers can read more about our Covid Secure Promise here.

For further information about the work 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.