Gas pipe repairs under way in Oswestry
Work has begun to upgrade gas pipes in central Oswestry to ensure the gas supply to the area remains safe and reliable for at least the next 80 years.
Although cars are banned from Leg Street and parts of Beatrice Street in Oswestry, pedestrians are still able to access the shops and restaurants on the two roads.
The work will take about three weeks to complete.
Wales & West Utilities will replace 63 metres of old metal gas pipes with new plastic pipes in parts of Leg Street, Beatrice Street, and the pedestrianised Albion Hill.
The work will take about three weeks to complete and is due to start on January 26.
David Thomas, Wales & West Utilities project manager for the scheme, said:"We are carrying out this work now so that we can reduce the risk of gas leaks occurring on this part of our network and minimise the need for us to carry out costly and disruptive ad-hoc repairs.
"To keep local people, road users and our workforce safe while we are working, we have a temporary road closure on Leg Street, with a diversionary route well signposted. We appreciate that working in communities is disruptive, but this is important work and we will try to keep disruption to a minimum.
"The scheme has been planned in close coordination with the local authority and everyone whose gas supply will be directly affected will receive an information letter about how it will impact on them."
The project is part of the company's multi-million-pound 30-year mains replacement programme across Wales and the south west, which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years.
