Totternhoe in Bedfordshire may have a reputation for taking things out of the ground with its proud quarrying history, but after six decades of brilliant service, the time has come for new gas pipes to be inserted into the village’s network.
On Monday 23 March, engineers from Cadent – the UKs largest gas distribution network – started work to replace 700 metres of metallic gas pipes with tough new pipes which will last for decades.
The project is part of a £91m investment this year, which will see more than 300km of pipes upgraded in the East of England before the end of March.
The work is being carried out along Castle Hill Road, Dunstable Road, The Ride, Church Green, Castle Hill Road and Furlong Lane. While the majority of the work can be carried out using traffic lights, there will be a need to close Church Road and Furlong Road during the works.
Following consultation with Central Bedfordshire Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential works over an eight-week period from Monday 23 March until Sunday 17 May.
Eleanor Buxton, Head of Work Management at Cadent, said: The metallic pipes that are in place in this section of the network have been very well used over the past 60 to 65 years and it’s time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year.
In this part of Totternhoe, almost 90 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading these pipelines will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely to them, for many decades to come.
These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future – the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.
We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people can accept this project is essential to maintain a long-term safe gas supply.
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, 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
