To safeguard the gas supply for residents of Colshaw Farm Estate, Wilmslow this winter and for many decades to come, Cadent, the gas distribution network for the region, will begin essential upgrade works from Monday 10 November to replace ageing gas infrastructure.
The project will involve decommissioning 2,000 metres of gas pipeline, originally installed in the 1970s, and replacing it with new, durable polyethylene pipes. These pipes are designed to last for decades and support the transition to greener energy sources.
This upgrade forms part of Cadent’s wider commitment to future-proofing the gas network, ensuring a safe and reliable network that keeps people warm year round.
Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, Cadent plans to upgrade around 385km of pipeline across the North West, including over 26km in the Manchester area.
Work will commence on Monday 10 November and will be carried out in phases across the estate. Completion is expected by March 2026 with a break over the Christmas holidays.
Residents will be notified in advance of work starting and finishing outside their properties.
Phase 1: Shellbrook Grove, Rossenclough Road and Redbrook Grove
Phase 2: Redbrook Grove, Colshaw Drive and Blackden Walk (including footway)
Phase 3: Blackden Walk (including footway)
Phase 4: Blackden Walk (including footway)
Phase 5: Millbrook Grove and Blackden Walk (including footway)
Phase 6: Blackden Walk (footway to Timbersbrook Grove)
Phase 7: Blackden Walk (footway to Timbersbrook Grove), Colshaw Drive and Bankside Close
Phase 8: Blackden Walk (footway to Benson Walk) and Cardensbrook Grove
Phase 9: Blackden Walk (footway to Benson Walk) and footpath near Rockery Pool
Phase 10: Foden Walk, Colshaw Drive and Benson Walk
Phase 11: Cliffbrook Grove, Benson Walk and Blackden Walk (including footway)
Phase 12: Benson Walk and Torbrook Grove
Phase 13: Benson Walk
Phase 14: Benson Walk
This schedule may be subject to change if engineers encounter unforeseen issues during excavation. In such cases, residents will be informed with as much notice as possible.
Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management in the North West, said: This is a major project with many intricacies, but essential to preserve the gas supply to residents living in and around Wilmslow.
We understand this work is inconvenient for the affected residents, and it is our priority to complete this upgrade as quickly, safely and with as little disruption as possible.
Due to the proximity of the gas pipes to residential properties and limited working space, there may be occasions when access to homes is temporarily disrupted. Where this occurs, affected residents will be contacted in advance, and we will work closely with them to minimise inconvenience.
For assistance or further information, residents can contact our Customer Care team on 0800 090 3071 or via email at [email protected].
We will also have a dedicated customer support unit located within the estate where residents can speak to our team in person. The team will be available to answer questions and offer advice on gas safety, the Priority Services Register, energy efficiency, and income maximisation.
The dates, times and location of the customer support unit will be confirmed shortly and communicated with residents.
Gas stays ON for the duration of work. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced (in the immediate local area). Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while (it will be back on the same day it goes off), as the property gets connected into the new pipe. Advance notice will be given and more information will be provided to these properties.
If you smell gas during this work, nearby or anywhere, always ring the national gas emergency service immediately, day or night, on 0800 111 999. Do not delay, or assume it is related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.
Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.
Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.
Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*
Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.
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