MORE than £850,000 of works to upgrade five kilometres of gas pipes in Brent Knoll and East Brent are set to start next week.

Wales & West Utilities is set to start the first phase of work on a £860,000 gas pipe investment scheme on February 24 to keep gas flowing to heat homes and power business

The essential work to upgrade five kilometres of gas pipes will be completed in phases and, barring any engineering difficulties, is expected to be completed by the end of June.

The first phase of the work will begin on Burton Row, from its junction with Middle Street, and will continue onto Brent Road, up to its junction with Red House Road.

Wales & West Utilities said it has worked closely Somerset County Council to carefully plan the work and it has been agreed that, where possible, it will be done in accordance with school holidays.

To keep the local community, road users and their colleagues safe, SCC and Wales & West Utilities have also agreed that rolling two-way traffic lights will be used throughout the work.

Barry Sale from Wales & West Utilities, who is managing this gas pipe upgrade work, said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really 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 people across Brent Knoll and East Brent.

“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’re looking forward to speaking to local people, letting them know what we have planned and how we’ll be working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Ahead of the work Wales & West Utilities is inviting local people to a public drop-in information event so that they can find out more about the works.

The event will be held on Thursday, February 20 from 10am to 3pm at Brent Knoll Parish Hall, in Brent Street and is free to attend.

For more information about the works contact Wales & West Utilities on 0800 912 2999 or email enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk.