MOTORISTS in Porthcawl are being advised to allow for extra time on journeys around the town in the coming months, as a project worth £160,000 begins to upgrade parts of the local gas network.
The work which will be carried out by Wales & West Utilities, is scheduled to take place in the Victoria Avenue area of the town this month, and is described as being “essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses in the area.”
It is expected that the work will now begin on September 25, with a completion date set for March next year, barring any engineering difficulties workers face during the process.
It also means that traffic lights will be put in place as the works progress – with advise given to motorists to allow for extra time on journeys, after Wales & West Utilities worked with Bridgend County Borough Council to plan the scheme.
In all, the gas emergency and pipeline service will be upgrading pipes on John Street, Suffolk Place, Victoria Avenue, Church Place and Mary Street, though the company say members of the local community will receive more information ahead of the work starting.
Adam Smith of Wales & West Utilities is managing the upgrade work and said: “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.
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the Porthcawl area. 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.”
