Transporting gas is a day-to-day essential service. National Grid's gas pipeline is largely underground - out of sight, and mostly out of mind. But when repairs are needed, or gas pipes need to be upgraded, we sometimes have to dig up roads or footpaths.

When we're upgrading pipes, or perhaps installing new connections, we can plan the work in advance. But when safety is at stake, we must respond quickly and efficiently, and this may mean having to carry out streetworks at a moment's notice.

This kind of work can be disruptive - and that's why we always try to keep inconvenience to a minimum. National Grid always works in a planned and co-ordinated way. This means we:

• Liaise with Local Authorities and Highways Agencies
• Minimise disruption as far as possible
• Work in accordance with Health & Safety regulations
• Comply with the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 (NRSWA)
• Provide notice in advance of planned works

We aim to co-ordinate activities with other utilities - but often this isn't practical. For example, if we are attending a gas escape, we can't plan in advance. But in terms of planned works, in many cases, we are replacing the existing pipes by placing new pipes inside them so there is no open trench available to share with other utilities. This however does minimise the amount of disruption as it negates the need for a continuous open trench.

National Grid will:

• Give at least 5 working days advance notice of planned major works to affected people and properties (and where possible, longer notice will be given)
• Minimise, as far as possible, inconvenience to pedestrians and road users during any works. This includes providing safe, alternative routes for pedestrians, and ensuring access to premises while work is in progress. National Grid will also ensure that vehicular access to premises is available when the work site is unattended
• Sign and guard its work sites in roads and footways. When unattended, the signs should identify who is responsible for the works and offer a contact number to call if problems arise
• Leave the site in a safe and tidy state at the end of each working day. On completion of the work, the site should be cleared of all surplus materials within two working days

What NRSWA says ... The New Roads and Streetworks Act sets out the legal framework that utilities carrying out Streetworks must adhere to. It covers how and when local highway authorities must be informed of forthcoming works.

It also says, under Section 74, that whenever we plan streetworks, we must set an accurate finishing date by which time all reinstatement will be complete and all signs, barriers and lighting must be removed.