Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is to carry out essential work to upgrade the gas network in St Bees, Cumbria to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to the local community for years to come.
The work, which will see the underground ageing metal pipes replaced with new, more durable plastic pipes, has been planned in collaboration with Cumberland Council and will take place in two phases.
Work Details – Phase 1
From Tuesday 10 – Thursday 12 November 2026, work will take place at the level crossing on Main Street between 6pm-2am. Working in partnership with Cumberland Council, we have co-ordinated this work with their road resurfacing project so both can be delivered together, minimising disruption for the community. Noise will be kept to a minimum from 11pm onwards. Traffic will be controlled by temporary stop/go signs, which will be manned throughout.
Work Details – Phase 2
Northern Gas Networks engineers will then return to St Bees on Tuesday 5 January 2027 for the second, larger phase of the project, with work expected to be fully completed around mid-April.
During this second phase of the work, engineers will replace gas pipes on:
- Beach Road
- Outrigg
- Cross Hill
- The Crofts
- Finkle Street
- Whitehaven to St Bees Road
- Abbey Vale
- Abbey Road
- Scalebarrow
Temporary traffic management and some road closures will be implemented in these locations. Advanced warning signage and clearly signed diversions will be in place ahead of the work.
Customer Drop-in Session
Northern Gas Networks is holding a community drop-in session where local residents, business owners and stakeholders can find out more about the work. This will be held at the Beach Road Bakehouse, on Beach Road in St Bees on Wednesday 18 November from midday until 7pm.
Steven Miller, Site Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “In preparation for our work in St Bees in January 2027, we need to carry out some essential work at the level crossing on Main Street for three days. We have collaborated closely with Cumberland Council and co-ordinated our work with their road resurfacing project, minimising the disruption to residents and motorists.
“We will then be returning to St Bees on 5 January to carry out the rest of this vital project. This is a major infrastructure investment for the area which will see engineers lay 2Km of modern plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to the local community.
“We understand that roadworks can be frustrating for residents, businesses and visitors and we’ve carefully planned the work to take place during the winter months to try and help minimise the disruption to the local community in St Bees. We’re grateful for everyone’s patience while this work takes place. Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual, and we will be working hard to complete the project as safely and as quickly as possible.
“Our team will be hosting a drop in session for the local community on 18 November at the Beach Road Bakehouse where we’ll be sharing more information about the work and answering questions.”
For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.
Smell Gas or Suspect Carbon Monoxide?
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.