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Work to replace critical equipment for safe supply of gas for thousands of Stockport homes will take place during the half-term week at the end of October.
Cadent will undertake work to replace and re-position a ‘governor’ near the McVities factory in Heaton Chapel, and will see traffic restricted on the A6 as a result. The governor is a piece of equipment that manages pressure of gas within pipes, and work to replace it will involve laying a pipe under Wellington Road North.
The work has been planned for school half-term holidays to minimise disruption, but motorists using Wellington Road North (A6) should expect delays.
Cadent, which opened a new depot in Stockport earlier this year, is making a £500,000 investment into replacing the ageing equipment, which is nearing the end of its expected lifespan with parts becoming difficult to source for repairs. Failure of the governor could lead to supply disruption for the 86% of Stockport homes with gas central heating.
Work will begin on 23rd October, and run until 31st October, with a second phase of work to decommission underground pipework expected to take place next year. Traffic lights will be in place to manage the safe flow of vehicles around the work area. Gas supplies will not be affected throughout the work.
Craig Horrocks, Head of Investment Planning Office (North West), Cadent, said:
This is part of our £800m investment plan, over the next five years here in the North West, to upgrade the gas network and ensure safe, reliable supplies for many years to come.
“With greener gases like hydrogen expected to be with us soon, within a few years now, it’s important we replace and upgrade our older assets. This governor is reaching the end of its safe operating life and we must act to protect local gas supplies. We know it’s not ideal to have traffic lights in place, but we hope people understand it’s essential work and timed to cause least disruption.”