WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The first phase of the maintenance scheme has started in Woolshops and will move onto Market Street and then Albion Street for the next 12 weeks.

Excavation work will start from September 2. Radar has been used to cart the course of the existing pipes.

The maintenance, carried out by the Northern Gas Network, is part of an ongoing development of infrastructure around Halifax to replace the existing metallic gas pipes with durable pipes.

Although the project has been described as “essential” by the gas network, traders are preparing for noise pollution and higher levels of dust around the area.

Stuart Kershaw, owner of P. Crabtree & Son, said: “It is essential work that needs to be done - obviously it will affect our business but we can’t do anything about it.”

Emma Carter, of Franklyn’s Jewellers and Goldsmiths, was worried about customers not being able to access her shop window but is going to “wait and see” if her business is affected.

A customers’ tent, operated by the network to enable them to ask questions, will be open from September 2, on weekdays, from 10am to 2pm. + ARE THE GAS WORKS AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT NEWSDESK AND LET US KNOW halifaxcourier.co.uk @HxCourier facebook.com/halifaxcourier