WORK has begun on a £290,000 upgrade for Durham city centre’s gas network.

The Northern Gas Networks (NGN) project will be carried out in three phases between now and May to minimise disruption.

A total of 830m of metal gas mains will be replaced with plastic pipes.

The section of North Road leading to Crossgate and Framwelgate Bridge has been closed to traffic and the restriction expected to last until about Monday, January 27.

Millburngate will also get temporary traffic lights for some of the work period.

NGN staff will be available to answer questions on the project at St Nicholas’ Church, Durham Market Place each Monday and Wednesday until January 29, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Alternatively, people can call 0845-634-0508.