Local residents and businesses are invited to Wales & West Utilities’ drop-in event to learn about the final section of work, which will bring its project to upgrade the gas network in the Draycott Road area of Cheddar to a close.
The gas emergency and pipeline service is inviting the local community to the session at Draycott Memorial Hall, Latches Lane, Draycott, BS27 3UE on Thursday 27 August, between 9am and 5.30pm.
The event follows one previously held in May, where members of the local community gave valuable input and, now that Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with Somerset Council to finalise the vital scheme, the plans are to be shared.
The project, begins on 1 September and, all going to plan, will finish by 11 October. To ease the local impact it will be carried out on two phases.
During phase 1 (1 – 27 September) road closures will be in place on Draycott Road between:
- Hillier Garden Centre to outside Strawberry Fields Luxury Lodges
- The junction of School Lane and Latches Lane
During phase 2 (28 September – 11 October) traffic lights will be present on Draycott Road between Strawberry Fields Luxury Lodges and the electric substation.
The work is vital to ensuring that gas continues to flow safely and reliably to homes and businesses across the area, helping to keep people warm for decades to come.
Wales & West Utilities' Simon Lee is managing the work and said:
“We really valued the input at our previous drop-in session and have been working collaboratively with Somerset Council to plan this final section of work appropriately.
“This section of the project involves upgrading one kilometre of gas pipe along a challenging narrow road. We had originally hoped to carry out this work with minimal traffic management, but following careful assessment and the dangers presented to our workforce and other road users, the only way we can complete the work is by closing the route, for part of the project, whilst also using traffic lights for the remainder.
“Due to the road network in the area this will involve a lengthy diversion route, and this drop-in event enables the local community to see plans for the work so that they can plan their journeys accordingly.
“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of this community. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport green gases in the future.”
For more information about work in your area, visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects/. As projects begin, customers can also find out what to expect from the work at www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/gas-pipe-upgrades/.
If you have further queries about the project, our Customer Service Team is here to help. You can call us free on 0800 912 2999, message us on X (@WWUtilities), or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/wwutilities.
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service, delivering energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. We don’t sell gas; we transport it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.
If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available 24/7 to respond and keep you safe.
Get in touch
Important Information
Our Customer Service Team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999.
Alternatively, you can contact us on X, formerly Twitter: WWUtilities or https://www.facebook.com/wwutilities.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call them on 0800 111 999 straight away, and engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.