A £400,000 PROJECT to upgrade gas pipes in Llangollen will get underway in the new year.

Wales & West Utilities will shortly start work in the Bache Mill Road area of the town.

The work, which starts on 2 January, will involve upgrading 1,800 metres of gas pipes and is essential to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come.

Barring any engineering difficulties, it will finish during May.

To plan the work Wales & West Utilities has liaised with Denbighshire County Council and it has been agreed that traffic management, including road closures and traffic lights as the works progress.

As part of the first phase of work Fron Bache will be closed from January 2 to 26 and a local diversion route will be clearly signposted.

Wales & West Utilities Adam Smith, who is managing this gas pipe upgrade work, said: “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Llangollen.

"Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it."

He added: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales.

If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call them on 0800 111 999 straight away, and their engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.