It will be business as usual for the Belvoir Shopping Centre in Coalville, whilst National Grid replaces 323 metres of gas mains as part of a multi-million pound package of improvements to the Leicestershire gas supply system.
The company, the UK’s biggest utility, will be replacing metallic mains with modern plastic ones which have a lifespan of at least 80 years if left undisturbed once they are in the ground.
The mains renewal work in the service access road to the Belvoir Shopping Centre is part of a national programme of work developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In all, 15,000km of mains will be replaced across Britain over the next eight years at a cost of around £1.6bn.
Richard Ashford, project manager said: “During 2007/8, National Grid will spend £2.4m replacing 25.5km of gas mains across Leicestershire. These mains tend to be concentrated in the areas of greatest population because this is where there is the greatest demand for gas.”
Works on the service road of the Belvoir Shopping Centre will begin on 9th July and will take 4 weeks to complete.
In all, 323 metres of low pressure cast iron main will be replaced with new plastic pipe. While engineers work in the service road, the Belvoir Shopping Centre will be open for normal business and there will be no disruption to access of the car parks and market.
Richard added: “We understand that people get frustrated by work carried out by utility companies but the gas, water and electricity supplies we rely on arrive at our homes through a complicated network of pipes and cables which have to be maintained.
“We would urge people to have patience with us whilst we carry out these essential works that will ensure everyone in the area can continue to have a safe and reliable gas supply.”
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For more media information only, please contact Sheila Passey, National Grid Communications on 01926 654768