A representative from Wales & West Utilities gave an update to South Molton Town Councillors during their July meeting stating that the ongoing upgrade work across the town was progressing well.

The initiative, aimed at enhancing safety and reliability, began in the New Road in early April at the start of upgrading over 3,000 metres of gas pipes.  The focus has now moved to the next phase with work having now commenced in the North Street area.

The company say the upgrades are crucial to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to local homes and businesses, supporting community warmth for years to come.

To facilitate these improvements, Wales & West Utilities has collaborated closely with Devon County Council to implement necessary traffic management measures.

As part of the upcoming phase:

• North Street will be closed until August 23.
• Parsonage Lane will be closed from August 12 to October 7.

Local businesses have been informed of the plans to minimise disruption.

Wales & West Utilities Roxanne Whittaker is managing this gas pipe 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 South Molton. 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.

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.”