WORK is progressing on a major project to replace ageing gas pipes in the Bedale area.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is carrying out essential work to upgrade the ageing metal pipework to more durable plastic pipes to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in Bedale and Aiskew Village.

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The 18-week project began in August and was planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council.

On Friday the five-way temporary traffic lights at the junction of Firby Road and Masham Road were removed and on Monday this week, three-way lights were placed at the junction of Masham Road and Wycar.

They are intended to be in place for approximately one week.

The project will then move to the junction of Masham Road and Burrill Road with three-way lights in place for around a month.

From November 1, work will move to Bridge Street, where there will be a one-way system introduced.

The junction of Bridge Street and Market Place in Bedale town centre will be closed east-bound and there will be a full signed diversion in place for approximately two weeks.

While the majority of the work will be carried out in the street, engineers will need to access customer properties to complete the project and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas.

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Steve Pigott, business operations lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these critical works.

“However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Bedale and Aiskew Village.

“We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

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