Ageing metal gas pipes to be replaced

AGEING metal gas pipes in Halton will be replaced over the next year.

Cadent is investing £77.5m to upgrade 500km worth of piping across the North West.

In Halton, the network will be changing 0.18km – or 180m – of pipes by replacing iron mains with tough hard-wearing plastic which will last at least 80 years and require little or no maintenance.

Teams from Cadent and its contractors work closely with local authorities to schedule work to times that minimise inconvenience.

Customer teams ensure letters are sent to every property affected by each project before work starts.

Steve Murray heads up Cadent’s gas mains replacement programme in the North West.

He said: “Our job is to keep the energy flowing to homes and businesses across the region. This is a major investment.

“It will ensure that local people continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas sup- plies to heat their homes, cook their meals and power their businesses for decades to come.”

The figures announced are part of a major, nationwide programme to upgrade gas mains, developed in conjunction with gas industry regulator Ofgem and the Health And Safety Executive.

Near the start of the work, the company will knock door-to-door, to explain work and learn if people have specific issues to accommodate.

Cadent – National Grid Gas Distribution – maintains, repairs and upgrades 131,000km of pipes across the North West, Midlands, the East Of England and North London.

Halton residents with enquiries about work in their area they can call the North West customer team on 0161 703 1000.

To find out more about how Cadent replaces gas mains and how that affects residents and businesses visit www.bettergaspipes.co.uk