PEOPLE are being advised of possible disruption when the Transco gas pipeline company renews sections of gas mains in Darlington.

The work, scheduled for April next year, is included in the company's £12m reinforcement and replacement plans for the North. About 72 miles of metal gas main and 6,500 services will be replaced in Teesside, County Durham, Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyneside.

Transco General manager Ruth Thompson said: "We have developed and adopted a variety of techniques which will speed up work and minimise inconvenience to the public and the environment."

The work is part of a national programme sanctioned by the Health and Safety Executive. The company intends to invest more than £500m over the next two years in mains replacement.