Work to replace ageing equipment that’s critical for the safe movement of gas to heat thousands of homes in Stockport is due to take place later this month [October].
Cadent will upgrade and re-position a ‘governor’ – equipment that manages gas pressures – and this involves laying a pipe under one of the town’s busiest roads.
The work has been planned for school half-term holidays, deliberately – to minimise disruption, but motorists using Wellington Road North (A6) should expect delays.
This is investment of around £500,000 by Cadent to replace its existing governor, which is located near to the entrance to the McVities biscuit factory. It’s reaching the end of its operating life, with parts becoming difficult to source easily.
If it were to fail, there is potential for supply to be impacted. More than 86 per cent of homes in Stockport have gas central heating.
Cadent has liaised with Stockport Council on a work programme that starts 23 October and ends 31 October (sooner, if possible). To keep the road open both ways, traffic lights will be in place to manage the safe flow of vehicles around the work area.
Gas will remain ON throughout the work.
A second phase of work will be required to decommission a section of underground pipework and this is likely to take place next year.
Craig Horrocks, Head of Investment Planning Office (North West), Cadent, said: “This is part of our £800m investment plan, over the next five years here in the North West, to upgrade the gas network and ensure safe, reliable supplies for many years to come.
“With greener gases like hydrogen expected to be with us soon, within a few years now, it’s important we replace and upgrade our older assets. This governor is reaching the end of its safe operating life and we must act to protect local gas supplies. We know it’s not ideal to have traffic lights in place, but we hope people understand it’s essential work and timed to cause least disruption.”
If you smell gas
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 Stockport 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.