Homes and businesses across Bideford are set to benefit as Wales & West Utilities starts upgrading gas pipes in the area.

The £138,000 project, which starts on the 28 October, involves upgrading gas pipes in the Atlantic Way area of the town and is essential to keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power businesses in the area so that people are safe and warm for generations to come. Barring any engineering difficulties, it is expected to be complete by 6 December.

Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with Devon County Council to make sure disruption is kept to a minimum. To keep the local community, road users and engineers safe during the work, it has been agreed that Atlantic Way, from its junction with Beach Road, will be closed throughout the six-week scheme. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

Wales & West Utilities Project Manager, Joe Phillips, is managing the work and said:

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Bideford. 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.

“We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential. We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“This work will not only keep the gas flowing safely and reliably today, it will also help make sure the gas network is fit for the future and can play its part in delivering reliable and affordable green energy.”

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 or enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact us on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/WWUtilities.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, takes pride in serving the south west of England and Wales. 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.

Our team is also working on a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.