From 27 July, the North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), will be upgrading the gas distribution network on Newtown Road, Carlisle.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing approximately 40m of existing metal gas pipes with more durable plastic ones.

The ageing metal gas main has required several repairs in recent years and NGN has prioritised the pipe for replacement to minimise any inconvenience caused by future repairs and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas for years to come.

The six-week project has been carefully planned in conjunction with Carlisle City Council to minimise the impact caused.

For the first three weeks of the scheme, engineers will be working on Newtown Road with a road closure in place from the McVities roundabout to Newtown Road, with a diversion in place. For the remainder of the project (weeks 4-6) engineers will move onto Wigton Road, where a further diversion will be required.

Northern Gas Networks is continuing to prioritise work in line with UK government guidance and has extra safety precautions in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that its workplaces are Covid secure.

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local homes and businesses to make customers aware of the project, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work taking place.

Richie Manuel, Business Operational Leader for Northern Gas Networks in Cumbria said: “We have been working closely with Carlisle City Council to plan this essential work.

“We appreciate that nobody likes roadworks, but this work is crucial to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas for homes and businesses in the future. Everything will be done to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk.

More information how Northern Gas Networks is working safely during the coronavirus pandemic is at the company’s website: www.northerngasnetworks.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.