Meeting Over Gas Main Work

22 July 2013, 10:51 | Updated: 22 July 2013, 10:54

A meeting's being held over plans to dig up Christchurch High Street for three months, for major gas main work.

Southern Gas Networks (SGN) going to be starting a gas mains replacement project in the town centre on 24 September. In advance of these works, they are holding a drop-in session for members of the public to find out more on Monday 22 July.

SGN says the existing metal gas mains and services in High Street and Church Street need to be replaced with modern plastic polyethylene pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area.

This essential work forms part of an ongoing mains replacement programme developed with the Health and Safety Executive. Work will begin on Tuesday 24 September and last approximately 12 weeks. All work will be suspended in December during the town's busy festive season.

The project will be carried out in three phases and will involve changes to the existing traffic management including temporary traffic lights and road closures. Advance warning signs will be in place, and access to businesses and car parks will be maintained at all times.

Members of the public are invited to attend a drop-in session on Monday 22 July at the Kings Arms Hotel in Castle Street, Christchurch between 6pm and 9pm. SGN Project Manager Phil Bell will be on hand to explain the project in more detail and answer any questions or concerns about the forthcoming work.

SGN Project Manager Phil Bell said:

"We will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption during this essential work. Our teams will be working extended hours and the Monday Market will continue as normal throughout.

"We will be sending all local residents and businesses detailed information about the project after the school summer holidays. If anyone has any questions or concerns in the meantime, I would encourage them to come to our drop-in session on Monday 22 July to find out more."