THE current phase of a £537,000 project to upgrade gas pipes in the Long Street area of Williton will be complete by March 27, contractors Wales and West Utilities announced this week.

The project started last October and work on a further section on the A39 in Long Street will take place next October.

Wales and West Utilities is working with Somerset Council and, as part of the next phase of the project, traffic management will be in place to include a road closure on Doniford Road until February 27 and a closure on the junction of North Street and North Road from February 23 to March 27.

Project manager Roxanne Whittaker said: “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 and we understand how important it is for the gas supply to be safe and reliable.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport green gases in the future.

“Whether it is 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.”

More information on the upgrade work can be found on the firm’s website or by calling 0800 912 2999.

The company delivers energy to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the Westcountry through an underground network of more than 22,000 miles of pipes.