National Grid is about to begin a 12-month project to renew a large part of Ambleside’s gas mains network.
The company will be replacing 4.2km of metal gas mains with modern plastic pipe, starting in April.
The plastic gas pipe being installed by National Grid will have a lifespan of around 80 years if left undisturbed once in the ground and will ensure that local homes and businesses continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply.
Work will be carried out in four main locations around the town (see leaflet) between April 2008 and March 2009. In all, around half of the metal gas mains in the town will be replaced during this period.
Together with a similar project in nearby Kendal, which is already well advanced, the mains replacement work by National Grid represents a significant investment in the gas supply network in South Cumbria.
The work is part of a national programme of work developed with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Across the North West in 2008/9, a total of 565km of gas pipelines will be renewed.
Paul Clarke, Area Operations Manager, said: “We are making a major investment in Ambleside and in the safety and security of the gas network serving the town.
“We will be working in a number of locations over the 12 month period but we have planned our works on the advice of Cumbria County Council’s highways department and have arranged to draft in additional teams of engineers to speed up work in traffic sensitive areas.
“We will do everything we can to minimise disruption while we carry out our work. Where possible, we will insert the new plastic pipe inside the existing metal pipe to reduce the need for open excavation.
“We hope people will have patience with our engineers while they are working in the town and appreciate that disruption in the short term will result in a safe and sound gas supply system in the long term.”
A leaflet outlining National Grid’s programme of mains renewal has been delivered to homes and businesses likely to be affected by the work. A hotline number has also been set up to deal with enquiries.
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For more media information only, please contact Jeanette Unsworth, National Grid Communications on 01926 654768.