Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is continuing to carry out critical work in Pickering, North Yorkshire.
The ageing metal pipework in the town centre is now being replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes, to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Pickering for many years to come.
The work began last October on Ruffa Lane, before moving on to the A170/A169 roundabout and Eastgate in February. The last phase of the project will now start on Monday 17th May in Pickering town centre. It has been planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire County Council.
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 17th May, there will be four-way temporary traffic lights on the A170/A169 roundabout in the town centre for about two weeks.
Shops and businesses nearby will stay open as usual while the work is underway. Signs will be displayed for motorists and a diversion put in place.
NGN is working in line with government Covid-19 guidance, carrying out planned work to replace ageing metal gas mains which needs to be carried out urgently, as well as responding to gas emergencies, emergency repairs and maintenance.
To ensure the safety of colleagues, customers, and the community, most of the work is being carried out in the street. There will be extra measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid-19 secure, and engineers will always observe safe distance working and wear PPE.
However, engineers will also need to go inside 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.
Russ Kaye, 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 Pickering.
“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.