Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out critical work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

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 work will start on Saturday 24th April 2021 and is expected to last for seven weeks. It has been planned in collaboration with Durham County Council.

NGN is prioritising work in line with Government Covid-19 guidance and is carrying out planned work to replace ageing metal gas mains which need to be carried out urgently, as well as safety-critical services including responding to gas emergencies, emergency repairs and maintenance.

To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers and the community, the majority of the work will be 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 sure that the work is Covid-19 secure.

In order for our 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 will be in place on Maude Terrace for the full duration of our work, which will last for approximately seven weeks. Our work will be starting at the junction with Louisa Terrace, then move up Maude Terrace towards the entrance of the Tesco supermarket during the seven-week period. There will be signage in both directions, alerting drivers to the traffic lights ahead.

Engineers will observe safe distance working and wear PPE at all times.

While the majority of the work will be carried out in the street, engineers will need to access some customer properties to complete the project and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas.

There are extra safety precautions in place for working inside: NGN engineers will wash their hands or use hand sanitiser thoroughly before entering a property and wear a face mask and gloves; they will maintain a two metre distance and ask the householders to stay in another room while they work. Our engineers may also ask customers if they feel comfortable wearing a face mask themselves during a home visit.

Where customers are self-isolating, have symptoms or are at high clinical risk, engineers will wear full PPE when working indoors, including coveralls and eye protection.

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

“NGN is continuing to carry out its critical activities while following Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

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

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.