Shaun Fellows, service layer for Black Country Utilities, with the cakes

A team of hard working gas workers have received a special thank you from a South Molton resident.

As a way of saying thank you for the manner in which they have been carrying out gas pipe replacement work in South Molton, resident Richard Speed presented the six-strong team with a variety of cakes to say thanks for working in such a conscientious way.

The team from Black Country Utilities, which is working on behalf of gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities, enjoyed the cakes which helped fuel them further as they continue their work to carry out the 900 metre gas pipe replacement scheme.

Mr Speed, who has lived in the town for fifteen years, explains: 

“We’ve seen the team work hard day-in, day-out to complete this essential scheme and so these cakes were just a little way of saying thank you.

“They have been polite and it has been a pleasure to have them working in our local area. We all appreciate that this work is essential but I think people often take it for granted how manually intensive the work is. When I gave the cakes, I hoped they’d be appreciated – I hadn’t realised how much until I saw them devour them!

“I hope they gave them some much needed energy to carry out the work!”

Alex Smith, team leader for Black Country Utilities, said: 

“We all really appreciated Mr Speed’s kind gesture. Working in areas close to people’s homes can often be tricky and the work in South Molton is no exception. The road is narrow and there can be heavy traffic but the residents have been very understanding of the need and nature of the work. This really was the icing on the cake and we’d like to say thank you to the residents of the town, and to Mr Speed, for their patience while we’ve been working.”

Rob Long, Wales & West Utilities Programme Director with responsibility for our gas pipe replacement programme, said:

“As a company we work hard to deliver outstanding customer service and we always try and make sure that this is reflected in the contractors we work with too. We’re delighted that the team from Black Country Utilities have been recognised for their conscientious manner in which work is carried out.”

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, takes pride in serving Wales and the south west of England. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night. 

The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme 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, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.