The north of England’s gas distributer, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), is investing £213,000 to upgrade the ageing metal gas distribution network in Bagdale, Victoria Square and Silver Street, Whitby.

The major project is part of NGN’s’ ongoing development of infrastructure in the area and will involve replacing 270m of existing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes, to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The project, which began on Wednesday 4 January and is expected to last around 11 weeks, is progressing well, having been planned in conjunction with North Yorkshire County Council to ensure all works are completed with as little disruption as possible.

In order to carry out the scheme safely and efficiently, the work is being carried out in two phases.

Phase One is now complete and Phase Two, which will last around seven weeks, began on Monday 30 January.

During this time, Brunswick Street will be temporarily closed to motorists however the work will be carried out in sections so access to Walker Street and Newton Street can be maintained.

From Friday 17 February, the entrance to Flowergate will be closed, however access to Brunswick Street is being maintained via Bagdale.

Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place for motorists to follow and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Engineers will be working from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.

Robert Hope, Construction Services Area Manager at Northern Gas Networks said: “We have been working closely with North Yorkshire County Council to carefully plan these works in order to minimise any disruption to customers.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works, and thank our customers for their patience and support in getting them completed as quickly as possible.”

For further information about the project please contact NGN’s Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766, option 7 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.