- Repair team gets ready to move in (on Monday 29 July) to find and fix a leak on a gas main which runs under Brabyns Brow, Marple, Stockport
- The gas leak is under control and being regularly monitored
- Road to stay OPEN in both directions and every effort is being made to contain this work to the right turn filter lane (turning onto Town Street)
- Timing for this essential work has been agreed with the local highways authority to take place in summer holidays
Details of a plan to fix a leak on a gas main which runs directly under the middle of a busy road in Marple, Stockport, are now confirmed.
Cadent, which manages the North West’s gas mains, has the leak under control, but needs to get access to the metallic main under Brabyns Brow to fix it.
The repair plan, devised by Cadent in conjunction with Stockport Council, has safety as the priority. But recognising too that this is a busy road, the timing for the work has been agreed for the school holidays, to minimise disruption.
Phil Hendrick, network engineer in this area for Cadent, said: “This is an important pipe that distributes gas to thousands of local homes in the area – 89% of homes in Marple use gas to keep warm in winter, as well as for hot water and cooking. It’s essential that we have it operating safely and reliably.
“We’ve agreed a plan with Stockport Council that sees our teams move in on Monday (29 July). We’ll only know how long this will take once we’ve reached the main and identified what’s causing the leak. All teams are lined up and ready to complete the repair – and reinstatement of the road – as quickly as we can. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we get this work completed.
“We’ve had a number of issues with this very old gas main in recent years. The long-term plan is to completely upgrade it with a new durable plastic that will last at least 80 years and need little disruptive maintenance like this.”
Brabyns Brow will stay open in both directions. The team will make every effort to contain their work within the filter turning lane. This may lead to a build-up of traffic at times when more than a couple of vehicles wish to make that turn. The teams will work with local authority highways officers to keep this under review.
Gas supplies should not be affected. If you smell gas, do not dismiss it as connected to this work. Report it immediately to 0800 111 999 (calls to this number are recorded and may be monitored).
Cadent is a gas distribution network, responsible for safely transporting gas to more than 11 million customers in North West England, the Midlands, East of England and North London, through more than 80,000 miles of pipes. It also provides the 24/7, year-round gas emergency service to the same regions.