TEMPORARY traffic lights will be in place for several weeks in Bedale and Aiskew to enable gas pipes to be replaced.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) will start the essential work on August 9 and it is expected to take around 18 weeks.

The ageing metal pipework will be replaced by new, more durable plastic pipes to ensure a safe and reliable supply.

Work will begin on Firby Road and temporary two-way traffic lights will be in place for around a month.

Once the work is completed on Firby Road, the temporary two-way lights will move to Bridge Street for about one week.

The lights will then be moved to the junctions of Firby Road and Masham Road, where five-way lights will be in place for three weeks.

The temporary traffic lights will continue to move along Masham Road for around four weeks to the junction of Apple Tree Road whilst the project is completed.

Steve Pigott of Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these critical works.

"However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Bedale and Aiskew Village.

“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

The project has been planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council.

To ensure the safety of workers, customers and the community, the majority of the work is being carried out in the street, following Government guidelines for safe distance working wherever possible.

There are also extra safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and ensure that the work is Covid 19 secure.

Engineers will observe safe distance working and wear PPE at all times.

While the majority of the work will be carried out in the street, engineers will need to access customer properties to complete the project and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas.

There are extra safety precautions in place for working inside: NGN engineers will wash their hands or use hand sanitiser thoroughly before entering a property and wear a face mask and gloves; they will maintain a two metre distance and ask the householders to stay in another room while they work.

Engineers may also ask customers if they feel comfortable wearing a face mask themselves during a home visit.

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