Diversion plans in Norton changed by Northern Gas

Welham Road in Norton was due to be shut for three weeks from Monday, September 21, due to gas works.

However, following a meeting with Cllr Keane Duncan, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has confirmed only a partial closure will take place.

Cllr Duncan, who represents Norton, said concerns had been raised by residents over the closure and the diversion route.

He said: “There will now only be a partial closure while gas pipes are upgraded. One lane of Welham Road will be closed, near the Railway Club and one lane of Church Street will be closed, near the toilets.

“Access to Welham Road from the railway crossing will be maintained, while St Nicholas Street will remain open and serve as a diversion route.

“Bazley’s Lane, a single track road with structural issues, is no longer being used as the diversion route.”

Cllr Duncan said: “I thank Northern Gas Networks for meeting with me so promptly, listening to local concerns and revising their plans. This is a significantly improved proposal and will ensure disruption is minimised with safe diversion routes in place for local people to use.”

NGN, the gas distributor for the North of England, said the work will involve replacing the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

The project, which is expected to take 17 weeks to complete, has been planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council.

Work will begin at the junction of Welham Road and Church Street. The work will progress moving away from the railway line and continuing up Welham Road to the junction of Lakeside Way.

Engineers will also be working on St Nicholas Street, Springfield Garth, Park Road and The Avenue, which are all part of the planned upgrade.

Stewart Whitehead, Site Manager, said, that so engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be in place.

Access will be maintained for residents throughout the project and shops and businesses will be open as usual.

“We know roadworks can be frustrating, particularly for residents and businesses who rely on these roads every day, and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this essential work may cause. We’ll do everything we can to complete the project as safely and efficiently as possible, while helping to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply for people in Norton.”

For further information about the work contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: customercare@northerngas.co.uk

Cllr Duncan said: “I thank Northern Gas Networks for meeting with me so promptly, listening to local concerns and revising their plans. This is a significantly improved proposal and will ensure disruption is minimised with safe diversion routes in place for local people to use.”

Further works will take place in St Nicholas Street, Springfield Garth, Park Road and The Avenue. These will run until December but access will be maintained at all times via multiway traffic lights.