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 Hartlepool.

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 for many years to come.

Work will start on Monday 23 November and is expected to last for 10 weeks.

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

So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures will be introduced.

There will be temporary two-way traffic lights in place where Stockton Road (B1277) becomes Brenda Road (near the junction with Sydenham Road), which will move northwards along Stockton Road, for the full 10 weeks of the project.

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

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 Hartlepool.

“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.

While working outside, our engineers will social distance as much as possible.

They 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.

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.