Wales & West Utilities is to begin a project to upgrade gas pipes in Wickwar.

The project will start on 5 August 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. It involves upgrading gas pipes and, barring any engineering difficulties, it is expected to be complete by 27 September.

In planning the work Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with South Gloucestershire Council to make sure disruption is kept to a minimum.  To keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe, it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place during a section of the work.

During the first week (5 August) there will be two-way traffic lights on High Street. From the 12-23 August these will be replaced with a road closure on High Street, from its junction with The Downs to outside The Buthay Inn. A diversion route, which will be clearly signposted, will take traffic through Churchend, Cromhall, Rangeworthy, Iron Acton and the B4060, Wickwar Road, before coming back up High Street. A smaller road closure will also be in place on Back Lane from 2-27 September. Access for residents, traders and customers will be maintained, via the diversions, and Wales & West Utilities has contacted those affected. Local businesses will be open as usual.

Wales & West Utilities have planned this work during the school holidays to minimise impact on local traffic.

Wales & West Utilities Programme Controller, Mick Gallavin, 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 Wickwar. 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. 

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.