Saffron Walden gas pipes nearing 100 years old to be replaced

• A public information event will take place on Monday 28 September, between 11am and 1pm, at The Green, Saffron Walden
• Essential work in Saffron Walden will help keep residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating
• The scheme involves replacing more than 1,000 metres of ageing gas mains
• Work starts on Monday 12 October and is expected to last 11 weeks, until Monday 21 December

Ageing gas pipes are being replaced in Saffron Walden by engineers from Cadent – the UK’s largest gas distribution network.

The project will see more than 1,000 metres of gas main pipelines replaced in Little Walden Road, Byrds Farm Lane, Catons Lane, The Green and Goddard Way with tough new pipes which will last for decades, future-proofing the local network.

Work gets underway on Monday 12 October and is expected to last 11 weeks, with completion planned for Monday 21 December.

Ahead of the work getting underway, residents and business owners in the area are invited to attend a public event to learn more about these essential gas works taking place. 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 11am and 1pm on Monday 28 September, customer teams from Cadent will be available at The Green, Saffron Walden, for people to call in and learn more about the project.

There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up and speak to the team.

Following consultation with Essex County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential works over an 11-week period from Monday 12 October until Monday 21 December. Weekend work will be carried out wherever possible to help complete the project as efficiently as possible.

Due to the location of the gas mains and to ensure the safety of engineers, various traffic management measures will be in place while work takes place, including road closures and temporary traffic lights. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted, and access will remain open to residents where it is safe to do so.

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 for almost 100 years. It’s now 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 have worked with the local highways team, as well as local authorities, to create a traffic management plan that will minimise disruption whilst we carry out these essential works.

I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely and as efficiently as possible.

Gas stays ON for the duration of the works. 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 these works; it may not be and needs to be checked.