Gas works disruption will affect patients

ASIX�WEEK road closure to allow the replacement of gas pipes could cause problems for hospital patients, says a councillor.

Wales and West Utilities will start 12 weeks of work to replace gas pipes near Abergele town centre on February 23.

Conwy county councillor Tim Rowlands is worried that the sixweek road closure on Chapel Street will cause disruption to those using Abergele Hospital.

He said: “I am very concerned at proposals to close Chapel Street for up to six weeks.

“Not only will this cause immense inconvenience for local residents but, as a main route to Abergele Hospital, the disruption will be felt further afield.

“I’m not convinced that every avenue has been explored, and disappointed at the lack of consultation.”

A spokesman for Wales & West Utilities said: “We will be starting essential work on February 23 to replace 63 metres of old metal gas pipes with new plastic pipes in Tower Way, High Street and Chapel Street, together with approximately 75 associated gas services.”

The company says the work will ensure the area continues to have a “safe and reliable gas supply for at least the next 80 years”.

A spokesman said: “To keep local people, road users and our workforce safe, there will be a temporary road closure on Chapel Street for six weeks from February 23.

“A diversion route via the B381, A525 St. Asaph Road and the A547 Rhuddlan Road has been consulted on and agreed with the local highways authority, and will be clearly signposted.”

Wales & West Utilities say a dropin information event was held in January.

The company said: “Due to an error, Cllr Rowlands was not invited to the information event, for which we are very sorry.

“We are contacting Cllr Rowlands personally to run through our plans. We are in the process of reviewing our future community engagement and consultation processes.

“We appreciate that working in communities can be disruptive, but this is essential work and we will complete it as quickly and as safely as possible.”

The company says the work is part of its 30-year mains replacement programme across Wales and the south west of England, which began in 2002.

Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years.