Since Monday 29 October, the North of England’s gas distributor, Northern Gas Networks (NGN), have been working to upgrade the gas distribution network on Wetheriggs Rise, Penrith.

The project is part of NGN’s ongoing investment in the gas infrastructure in the area and involves replacing approximately 1km of existing metal gas pipes with more durable plastic ones.  This is to ensure the continued, safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area for years to come.

The five-week project has been carefully planned in conjunction with Cumbria County Council to minimise the impact caused.

In order to complete works safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to implement temporary traffic management measures at certain phases of the project.

NGN will provide detailed updates on any traffic management required as work progresses, and will ensure advanced notification signs for road users and alternative routes for pedestrians are in place..

NGN’s Customer Care Officers have been door-knocking local residents and businesses to make customers aware of the work, while on-site signage will advise motorists of the work taking place. Regular updates will also be available on NGN’s website northerngasnetworks.co.uk, Twitter @NGNgas and Facebook @northerngasnetworks.

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual throughout the project.

Dan Hind, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We have been working closely with Cumbria County Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience customers may encounter and thank everyone for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”

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

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.