Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, will be starting critical work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Heaton, Newcastle.

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 Monday 25 January 2021 and is expected to last for up to 16 weeks. It has been planned in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, and we are working closely to ensure their proposed roadworks can also go ahead as planned.

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

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.

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

• From Tuesday 26 January for up to three weeks, we will be temporarily be replacing the three-way traffic lights and pedestrian crossings at the junction of Heaton Road and Rothbury Terrace with our own temporary traffic lights from Tuesday 26 January.
• Works will then progress up Heaton Road towards the junction of Heaton Road Cartington Terrace and St Gabriel’s Avenue. When we reach this point, we will again be replacing the existing four-way traffic lights and pedestrian crossing with our own. These lights are expected to be in place for up to three weeks.

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 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.

Richie Manuel, 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 Heaton.

“NGN is continuing to carry out its critical activities while following strict Government guidelines for safe distance working and observing health and safety guidance during the current coronavirus outbreak in England.

“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.