Residents and business owners in Wheathampstead and Harpenden 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 Lower Luton Road.
The event will give everyone the opportunity to learn more about the necessity for the project and how the work will affect everyone on a day-to-day basis.
Between 10am and 12pm on Monday 18 May, customer teams from Cadent will have a gazebo set up on the grass verge between 282 and 292 Lower Luton Road, Wheathampstead, St Albans, AL4 8HT, for people to call at and learn more about the project which gets underway on Tuesday 26 May.
There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up and speak to the team.
The scheme involves the decommissioning of current metallic gas pipes which were originally installed in the 1970s and installing 1,000 metres of tough new 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.
Work starts on Tuesday 26 May and will be carried out in phases in the following roads*:
Due to the location of the gas pipes and the need to ensure safety throughout the programme of work, there will need to be a mixture of traffic management including multiway traffic lights and road closures. Where necessary, diversion routes will be in operation, but access remains available for residents in the work zone.
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 50 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.
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 understand this project is essential to
maintain a long-term safe gas supply. Please do come along and join us at the public event so we can share further
information about how these works will affect you.
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
