National Grid has bought forward essential gas mains replacement work at Westminster Abbey to avoid disrupting next year’s royal wedding.
Work to replace old metal gas mains with new plastic pipes around Westminster Abbey was due to begin next year. But with news that the royal wedding will take place there on 29 April, the project had to be rescheduled quickly.
National Grid Head of London Gas Distribution Phil Clarke explained: “Before beginning our work we liaise with local stakeholders and consider the situation on the ground. We aim to deliver our work with a minimum of disruption and this includes avoiding working in an area when a major event is taking place."
The essential project involves replacing the existing metallic gas mains with new hard wearing plastic pipes and will help ensure people in the area continue to enjoy safe, secure and reliable gas supplies in the future. Mains will be replaced in ‘The Sanctuary’ area in front of the Abbey and then in the Archway and Dean’s Yard.
Westminster is an area rich in historical significance for many – including National Grid.
Mr Clarke explained: “The City of Westminster is actually the site of the world’s first public gas supply so with this project we’re really going back to our roots.”
The project also includes upgrades to business and domestic gas service pipes. Engineers will need access to properties to carry out this work and we will contact those affected in advance to make arrangements.
All engineers carry photo identification, and people should always ask to see official identification before letting anyone into their property. If in doubt about the caller’s identity, please call 0845 605 6677.
Work will take place from Thursday 02 December to Monday 20 December, when there will be a break for the Christmas and New Year period. The project will then resume on Monday 03 January and will continue until Thursday 31 March.
Mr Clarke said: “We will be inserting the new mains wherever possible which will minimise the need for digging and reduce disruption.”
Access to Westminster Abbey, Westminster School and surrounding homes and businesses will be unaffected by the work.
Work will be carried out by National Grid and Morrison Utility Services. If you require more information or have any questions about the work please call 0845 246 1285.
The project forms part of National Grid’s national programme to replace all metal gas within 30 metres of buildings, as agreed with the Health and Safety Executive.
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For further media information only, please contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations, on 07810 853075