Melanie Hole, Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller for East Wales, said:
“Unfortunately we will not be able to finish our essential work in Abergavenny at the end of next week as planned.
“We continue to experience significant engineering difficulties on this job, in particular the ground conditions in the area and other, unrelated utility equipment laid in the way of our new gas pipe.
“We are making progress, and barring any further engineering difficulties, we now anticipate that the work will be completed by 20 December 2015. However, this continues to be an extremely complex job, and we will keep the community updated on our progress.
“We have agreed with the local authority that we will do this work now, before the area is regenerated ahead of the Eisteddfod in 2016. All local businesses are open as usual while we are working and we will accommodate trade deliveries. We’ve also visited businesses to understand their individual needs and requirements.
“So we can work safely, from this Sunday (6 December), Frogmore Street will be closed until 20 December. A diversion route will be clearly signposted. The bus stop opposite Tesco on Frogmore Street will be closed while we are working and a temporary bus stop will be on Park Street, outside the builders merchants.
“We appreciate work of this kind can be disruptive for local businesses, and any business owners who feel they have been affected by our work can discuss their concerns individually on 0800 912 2999 This work will support Abergavenny, and make sure that homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas now and in the future.
“This essential work is part of our multi-million-pound 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.
“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the ongoing delay on this job, and thank local people for bearing with us. I can assure the local community that our teams are working as safely and as quickly as they can.”