A team from Wales and West Utilities will be in Marlborough over the next days talking to shop owners and residents about works to replace more than 900 metres of old metal gas pipes along part of the High Street. This work will start on Monday, January 4 and last about fifteen weeks.
It is part of a major multi-million-pound programme the company is undertaking across the south west of England and in Wales. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with plastic pipes that have a lifespan of more than 80 years.
Much of Marlborough’s metal gas piping was laid in the 1980s – or even earlier – and the pipes are reaching the end of their safe life.
The company’s newsletter about the scheme states: “We are investing £108,000 in new gas pipes on High Street, Marlborough, which will make sure homes and businesses in the area continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas now and in the future.”
The High Street will not be closed and access to business and for residents will be maintained. As the work proceeds, short lengths of the High Street parking will be suspended. No business will need to close.
The one-way section of the High Street by St Peter’s Church will be closed from February 15 for a maximum of four weeks. Back Lane, Chandlers Yard and Ironmongers Lane will also be affected during the works.
Wales and West Utilities’ programme controller for Wiltshire, Mick Galavin, said the company had been working closely with Wiltshire Council so as the work starts after the Christmas break to minimise disruption for local people and businesses:
“We’ll have a team of experienced gas engineers on site throughout the project to ensure that the work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.”
“We are aware of the effect this work can have on local people and businesses and are working closely with the local council and traders to minimise inconvenience.”
The replacement of the old pipes will be carried out by Morrison Utility Services working under contract for Wales and West Utilities.
While the work is underway people can approach the on site engineers with any questions. The customer services team is on 0800 912 2999 or 02921 678455. Or they can be contacted via Twitter @WWUtlities or Facebook.com/WWUtlities.
Wales and West Utilities provide gas to 2.5 million homes and businesses across Wales and the south west of England and they look after a delivery network of pipes 35,000 kilometres long.
Marlborough High Street was resurfaced two years ago by Wiltshire Council at a cost of £400,000.