Major gas pipe overhaul planned across East Devon
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Wales & West Utilities has announced plans to invest nearly £3.9 million over the coming years to upgrade gas pipes along the East Devon coast, helping to ensure a safe and reliable supply for around 1,750 customers well into the future.
The programme will involve replacing approximately 16 kilometres of gas mains across the region. The company will work closely with Devon County Council to carefully plan each phase of the project and manage any necessary traffic measures.
Roxanne Whittaker, who is managing the programme for Wales & West Utilities, said the investment is essential to maintaining and modernising the network.
“We’re investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for the future for the customers we serve across the wider area,” she said. “We’ll continue to work closely with the local authority and are committed to keeping communities informed as projects are planned and delivered.
“We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient network that people rely on every day.
“While much of the gas network is out of sight, it plays a vital role in daily life - from heating homes to cooking meals - and we know how important it is that gas is there when people need it.
“This investment will not only maintain today’s supply but also prepare the network to transport greener gases in the future.”
Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. The company does not sell gas but transports it through an underground network spanning over 35,000 kilometres.
For more information about the upgrade programme and what to expect as work begins, customers can visit the Wales & West Utilities website.
Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide is advised to call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately. Trained engineers are available 24 hours a day to respond.
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