Lowton: details of essential gas works off East Lancs Road

in your area

Major engineering work starts Monday (26 July) to upgrade ageing underground gas pipes that help safely deliver gas to thousands of homes.
 
Teams from Cadent, which manages the North West’s 21,000-mile gas distribution network, will be operating in Stone Cross Lane South, Lowton.
 
The work site is near the junction with the A580 East Lancashire Road so, for the six-week duration, there will be no access to or from Stone Cross Lane South here.
 
Access to properties along Stone Cross Lane South will be via the Newton Road end only. Cadent has liaised with Wigan Council and informed the occupants.
 
This work has been deliberately scheduled to a window that minimises disruption – with schools finished for summer.
 
It’s part of an £800m, five-year North West investment programme to ensure safety and reliability of gas distribution in the local area.
 
Modernising the network like this also helps get it ready for the introduction of hydrogen, which is essential to local and national targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions [hydrogen emits zero carbon at point of use].
 
Phil Hendrick, Customer Operations Area Manager, Cadent, said: “This is essential work in a challenging location, just off the busy East Lancashire Road.
 
“We do not foresee any impact to the ‘East Lancs’ but we want to give warning that you will not be able to turn off here to Stone Cross Lane South. Please follow the diversion route via the next roundabout and through to Newton Road.”
 
There should be no interruption to gas supply.
 
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’s related to this work. It may not be and must be checked.
 

Cadent in the North West

Cadent operates four of the UK’s eight gas distribution networks – North West England, West Midlands, Eastern England and North London.
 
Its North West network stretches from the Lake District to Crewe and is home to 21,000 miles of distribution pipes (most of them underground) and hundreds of above ground installations. If placed end to end, that amount of pipes would stretch from the North West to Sydney, Australia, and back again.
 
Around £800m will be invested in the North West’s gas network over the next five years. This will maintain safe, secure supplies to homes, hospitals, schools, offices and other sites, as well as support the UK journey to net zero carbon emissions.
 
Backed by Cadent and many partners, the North West region is set to lead the way in a major shift from fossil gases to hydrogen. Producing only heat and water at point of use, hydrogen is key to the UK’s net zero future and is set to be introduced at volume in the North West during the 2020s (see www.hynet.co.uk).

Cadent

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. 

Future of Gas: 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.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Media contacts

Kevin Hegarty

kevin.hegarty@cadentgas.com

07970 694897