New research has revealed that building a close relationship with neighbours could pay dividends when it comes to our wellbeing, making people feel safer (58%), part of a community (49%) and happier overall (35%).

Almost a quarter of people said having strong relationships with their neighbours makes them feel less lonely, and well over half will turn to a neighbour to ask them for help with a significant number asking for support on a regular basis. Many confirmed that having a close relationship with neighbours helps improve their mental health.

The research also highlighted ways that people help their neighbours. No one likes putting out the bins and it can be difficult for some such as those over 65 or with disabilities. So, it’s not surprising that help putting out the bins topped the list. Good neighbours help in so many positive ways including looking after their house while they’re away, lending them things, feeding their pets and helping in the garden. Almost a quarter have given a neighbour a lift and helped them out with DIY.  Supporting our neighbours builds great communities and makes everyone feel better.

The research was conducted by Northern Gas Networks to highlight its new Neighbourhood Pipeline initiative, which encourages people to check in on neighbours who may need extra support this winter and pass on potentially life-saving information about gas and carbon monoxide safety, energy efficiency and additional support services. The first 1,000 people who sign up and pledge their support will receive a free hot drink. Grassroots and community organisations are also being offered a warm lunch for up to 50 of their service users in return for their support.

Speaking about the research, Eileen Brown, Director of Customer Experience at Northern Gas Networks, said: “Having good neighbours who we can rely on makes a world of difference to anyone, but especially people over 65, families with children under five, those with disabilities or a long-term health condition, those who don’t speak English as a first language, those who may be rurally isolated and people who are struggling financially. It might be as simple as taking the bins out for them, chatting to them across the garden fence or feeding their pets whilst they’re away – these traditional neighbourly acts of kindness are so important and can have a hugely positive impact on our wellbeing.”

To find out more about how you can help neighbours in need, visit www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/neighbourhoodpipeline/

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Stockton-on-Tees to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Stockton-on-Tees, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 14 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with Stockton-on-Tees Borough 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 Wednesday 8 January, there will be temporary traffic lights in place on Diamond Road at the junction of Lanehouse Road. These will be in place for approximately 3 weeks. Once this first phase of work has been completed, the work will move to the junction of Redcar Road, with temporary traffic lights again used for the remainder of the project.

David Cook, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Stockton-on-Tees.”

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.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Beverley to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Beverley, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 7 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with East Riding Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 6 January, there will be a road closure on Toll Gavel, between Saturday Market and Walkergate, until Friday 21 February. A signed diversion will be in place for motorists, and access will be maintained where possible.

Chris Keith, Operations Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes and businesses in Beverley.”

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.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Hull to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Hull, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 6 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with Hull City Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 6 January, there will be a lane closure on the A1079 on Ferensway, between Pearson Street and Spring Bank, until Friday 14 February.

Chris Keith, Operations Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes and businesses in Hull.”

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.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in York to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in York, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 7 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with City of York Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 6 January, there will be a road closure on Coney Street, between Market Street and St Helens Square, until Friday 21 February. A signed diversion will be in place for motorists, and access will be maintained where possible.

Mark Mawhood, Operations Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes and businesses in York.”

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.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Thirsk to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Thirsk, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which is expected to last around 8 weeks, has been planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place.

From Monday 6 January, there will be temporary traffic lights on Station Road (A61), between Racecourse Mews and Sowerby roundabout, until Friday 7 February.

From Monday 3 February, there will also be temporary traffic lights on Sowerby Road between Green Lane East and Back Lane, until Friday 28 February.

Mark Mawhood, Operations Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes and businesses in Thirsk.”

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.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work in Hartlepool to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

The work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Hartlepool, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be put in place. The work has been planned in collaboration with Hartlepool Borough Council.

From Monday 6 January, for approximately 2 weeks, there will be a road closure of York Road, between Park Road and Victoria Road. There will be a fully signed diversion in place.

During the same period, our team will also be working on part of the footpath between Ron Greig Estates and Sky Nails and Beauty on York Road. Staff and customers will be able to access these businesses throughout.

Steven Storey, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes and businesses in Hartlepool.”

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.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work to replace ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.  The work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Leeds, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project has been ongoing since November and is expected to finish in February 2025. It has been planned in collaboration with Leeds City Council.

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

From Monday 20 January there will be a road closure on Carr Crofts at the junction of Tong Road. This will be in place for approximately two weeks.

From Monday 20 January there will also be temporary traffic lights on Tong Road for the remainder of the project.

Chris Reed, Central Business Operations Lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes and businesses in Leeds.”

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.

A message from Mark Horsley, CEO

Today we’ve published our RIIO-GD3 business plan which sets out proposals in line with guidance from the energy regulator, Ofgem, outlining what we intend to deliver for customers and the environment between 2026 and 2031.

Our plan, which has been built to deliver our vision: a fairer, greener future for the North of England and designed to ensure that every pound we spend provides value for money now and in the future, will see over £1.8 billion invested in our gas network.

It has been underpinned by a comprehensive programme of engagement with thousands of customers and stakeholders throughout our region and further afield including our brilliant Citizens Panel and Young Innovators Council.

I’m incredibly proud of our plan and I’d like to take the time to thank everyone who has taken time to share their insights and guide and inform our decision making.

What’s in our plan

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is the most efficient gas network in Great Britain – and has been since 2005.  Our plan builds on this strong performance and sets out how we can continue to lead the way in the sector and maximise the value that we can deliver for our customers.

Our business plan is centred around six key commitments to deliver the outcomes that matter most to our customers and stakeholders – a high quality, reliable, sustainable and value for money service.

We’re pleased that 79% of informed customers and stakeholders found our plan acceptable 80% of people involved in our engagement said our plan delivers value for money.

You can read our full business plan, supporting information and shorter summary here.

We’re inviting you to dive deeper into our plans early next year by joining our webinar.  You can find out more and sign up here

What’s next?

Ofgem, will now assess our plan and make decisions about how much revenue we can have to deliver our plans.

As part of its assessment process, Ofgem is inviting people to share submissions and evidence on various aspects of our business plan.  Visit Ofgem’s website to find out more about how to get involved.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support.

Mark