A NEW gas pipeline is to be run underneath the River Skerne to meet the increasing demand from Darlington users.

Transco has been awarded a contract worth £1m to construct the 4km pipeline with work starting in May and due to finish in October.

The line will encounter the Skerne as it flows through parkland on the east side of Haughton Road.

A spokeswoman said Willow Construction would draw up the detailed design and also carry out a large-scale environmental reinstatement programme once work was completed.

"That design will determine whether to carry out directional drilling or some kind of boring underneath the river.

"The final route has to be decided with the contractors who will also have to agree the road crossing which will also go underground. "

The 300mm diameter pipe will create more 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.

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, hedgerows and nature areas on its route.

Transco has consulted with local authorities, the Environment Agency and wildlife and conservation groups.

A detailed environmental review document has been drawn up which spells out the measures to be taken by the contractor to mitigate the impact of the work on the landscape and ecology in the area.

Anton Ridsdill, 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."