Improvements in the Pipeline

25/02/2008

A major scheme to improve the gas network in Rugeley got underway this week.  Engineers from the West Midlands Gas Alliance have started the job of renewing 30 kilometres of gas main in the Brereton area of the town.  The work, which is expected to take around six months to complete, will help to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to the area.

The existing metal pipes will be replaced with a new durable plastic pipe which, undisturbed, will last for around 80 years and require little or no maintenance.  The project is part of National Grid’s 30 year programme to improve the safety and reliability of the gas supply network by replacing all metal gas pipes that lie within 30 metres of property. 

Project manager Kevin Williams said:  “This work is essential to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas to this area of Rugeley.  We will be doing everything we can to get the job done quickly and to keep any disruption to a minimum and we ask residents to bear with us while we carry out the job.”

The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by West Midlands Gas Alliance.  The Alliance is a partnership of two companies, National Grid and Morgan Est plc, a major utilities contractor.

Ends

For further media information only, contact Jane Taylor on 01926 655372

Notes to Editors:


National Grid
National Grid is a leading international energy infrastructure business - the largest utility in the UK.

Through National Grid Gas plc it owns and operates over 6,800 kilometres of high-pressure transmission pipeline across Great Britain, and 132,000 kilometres of lower-pressure distribution gas mains in the North West, the Midlands, East Anglia and North London – more than half of Britain's gas transportation network, delivering gas to around 11 million homes, offices and factories.

Through National Grid Electricity Transmission plc, the company operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across Great Britain, and owns the network in England and Wales.

National Grid will continue to manage the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line
0800 111 999*.