A £1m gas pipeline will run under the River Skerne to meet the increasing demand from Darlington homes.

Transco has been awarded the contract to build the 4km pipe. Work will start in May and is scheduled to finish in October.

The line will run under the Skerne as it flows through parkland on the east side of Haughton Road in Darlington. The 300mm diameter pipe will create capacity for new supplies to homes, businesses and industry.

It will run from Carcut Beck, east of Great Burdon, through to the Five Arches viaduct over the River Skerne.

Then it will cross the beck, go under the Skerne and two roads, the A1150 at Great Burdon and the B6279 at Haughton Road, negotiating ponds, hedges and nature areas en route.

Environment groups have been consulted on the project.

Anton Ridskill, project manager, said: "The new pipeline will increase the capacity of the network to meet the growing demand for gas in the area.

"While there could be some minor disruption for people living along the route of the pipeline, we will do everything within our power to keep it to a minimum.

"We will be keeping local residents informed of progress on the project and, once our contractor establishes a site office, we will be able to give a phone number for people to contact for more information about their area."