OREANDA-NEWS. A revamp of gas mains in Bakewell will help to ensure that gas supplies keep flowing to local homes and businesses for decades to come.

This essential work is due to begin on Monday 18 August and is expected to take eight weeks. The project will involve replacing more than 400 metres of the existing iron mains in Bakewell town centre with new, hardwearing plastic pipe, which has a lifespan of 80 years if left undisturbed in the ground.

National Grid authorising engineer Paul Patrick said: "It's our job to connect people to the energy they use and these new gas mains will help ensure Bakewell continues to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply. We will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience caused by our work.”

The streets affected by the work are: Bath Street, Bagshaw Hill, North Church Street, Buxton Road and Rutland Square.

To carry out the work safely temporary road closures of Bath Street will be needed. During the first phase of work Bath Street will be closed from Buxton Road to outside Bakewell C of E School, from 18 August for up to two weeks.

The one-way system will be revoked to allow vehicle access to homes and businesses in the road closure area via Anchor Square. A signed diversion route will be in place for motorists.

During phase two, Bath Road will be closed from Bakewell C of E Infant School to the junction of Anchor Square and Bath Street. This phase will take between one and two weeks after phase one has been completed. Both phases are due to be finished by Sunday 7 September. Vehicle access to homes and businesses will be maintained where possible.

All shops and businesses in Bath Street will be open for business as usual.

During the third and fourth phases of the project, temporary traffic lights will be needed at the Buxton Road roundabout and then at the junction of Buxton Road and Bath Street. Traffic management will be confirmed for the final phase of the work.

Some local gas service pipes to properties are being replaced and engineers will need access to them to do the work, which will involve a brief interruption of the gas supply. Those affected will be given advance notice.