Residents and business owners in Wilstead are invited to attend a public event organised by Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, to learn more about essential gas works taking place in the village this summer.
The event will give everyone the opportunity to learn more about the necessity for the project and the traffic management in effect to deliver these vital upgrades.
Between 12pm and 2pm on Wednesday 8 July, customer teams from Cadent will have a gazebo set up on the grass verge at the junction of Cotton End Road and Whitworth Way – close to Wilstead Village Hall (What3Words ///mega.texts.owned) - for people to call at and learn more about the project which gets underway on Monday 20 July.
There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up and speak to the team.
Cadent are returning to Wilstead following mains replacement work that took place in February this year. During that time, it was discovered that the gas pipes were in particularly poor condition which led to emergency replacement work being carried out.
The scheme starting on Monday 20 July will see old gas pipes being decommissioned and supply running through the brand-new plastic pipes which will last for decades, future proofing the local network.
The project is part of a £123million investment this year, which will see more than 395km of gas pipes upgraded across the East of England.
Due to the location of the gas pipe, it will be necessary for rolling road closures to be in operation along Cotton End Road as work is carried out in phases. There will also need to be temporary traffic lights in operation at the junction of Cotton End Road and Bedford Road to assist traffic flow in the area.
Following consultation with Bedford Borough Council, it was agreed that most of the work would take place during the school summer holidays with completion expected by mid-September.
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. Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while, as the property gets connected onto the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties.
If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to 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.
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
0797 404 7450
