A MAJOR project to replace Richmond’s old cast iron gas mains with modern plastic pipes has been postponed to avoid traffic chaos in the town.

Work was due to begin yesterday (Monday, February 25) at the junction between Gilling Road and Darlington Road, conflicting with road works already taking place just 300 metres away at the junction of Gallowgate and Pottergate.

After consultation with North Yorkshire County Council, Northern Gas Network will now start work Monday, March 11 to replace 1.1km of Victorian metal pipes over the next five weeks.

Northern Gas Network is investing £80,000 in the project.

Dave Mulcahy, Northern Gas Networks site manager, said: “Unfortunately the gas mains in this area have reached the end of their useful life. The new plastic pipes we will be putting in are more durable and will serve the area well for decades to come.

“We are working closely with the council to minimise traffic congestion during this essential work however, it will be necessary to install temporary traffic lights at the junction of Gilling Road and Darlington Road.

“We would like to apologise for any disruption this may cause.”

Anyone that smells gas should ring the national gas emergency service, anytime, day or night on 0800-111-999.