Patience plea as Crieff is set for gas work

Crieff is bracing itself for further disruption on local roads as the next phase of a near £1 million upgrade takes place later this month.

Gas distribution company SGN, which manages the network of natural and green gas for 5.9 million homes and businesses across Scotland and the south of England, is carrying out the improvements from August 20 as part of a wider £930,000 project in the area.

The essential work – which has already seen an upgrade of the gas network at the top end of town from Callum’s Hill to Dollerie Terrace – involves the replacement of old, metal gas mains with new plastic piping to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply.

Rolling temporary traffic lights were in place for that phase, and to complete the project as quickly as possible and keep disruption to a minimum, multiple teams have been employed on the project.

The latest work focuses on King Street and its junctions with James Square and Broich Road.

A spokesperson for SGN confirmed: “Our project to upgrade the local gas network in King Street will begin on Monday, August 20, and is expected to last for approximately 10 weeks.

“We’ll be working between its junctions with James Square and Broich Road over five phases to help minimise disruption. Rolling road closures will be in place for the duration of our work.”

Concern has been aired over whether the project could delay work on the long awaited safety improvements for the Broich Road area, which are expected to begin in October.

Strathearn ward SNP councillor Stewart Donaldson said:“From what I understand there will be a meeting between the council and SGN on Thursday this week and SGN have told me they will update me after this.

“From what I understand, the work will start after Crieff Highland Gathering [on August 19] – and I’m glad that has been taken into account. It is necessary to replace the old gas pipes.

“Perhaps I’m being unnecessarily concerned but it’s not clear at this stage when work will proceed to Broich Road.

“What I’d like is an assurance that there will be no hold ups on road and pedestrian safety improvements on the Broich Road/King Street/ Burrell Street junction.”

Crieff Community Council chairman Harry Thomason urged locals to be patient.

He said:“These are essential works and they have to be done.

“It’s for the good of Crieff that the junction is getting done, but obviously the pipes have to be renewed as well.

“This will also cause disruption for a lot of shops in King Street but again, please be patient.”

The SGN spokesperson added:“We understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks.

“However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years and will be safe and reliable for years to come.

“We always aim to minimise disruption and we will make every effort to ensure our works are completed as soon as possible.”