Ageing Hitchin gas pipes set for upgrade after eight decades of service

• Essential engineering work in Hitchin will help keep residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.
• The scheme involves replacing 150 metres of ageing gas mains, with a road closure in place during the work.
• Work takes place for four weeks during the school summer holidays from Monday 27 July until Friday 21 August.

Engineers from Cadent - the UK's largest gas distribution network - will be getting to work in Hitchin to replace gas pipes that have been underground since 1945 - the year the Second World War ended.

Cadent is replacing 150 metres of ageing metal mains in Cambridge Road, Hitchin, with the work also affecting the junction with Millard Way. The existing pipes will be replaced with modern plastic pipes which will future-proof the local network for decades to come.

The original pipes were laid in 1945, meaning they have been quietly doing their job beneath the street for more than 80 years. While they have served the community well, the time has come to swap them out for newer plastic alternatives, which are more durable, safer and better suited to the demands of a modern gas network.

The project is part of a £123million investment this year, which will see more than 395km of pipes upgraded across the East of England.

Following consultation with Hertfordshire County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out this essential work over a four-week period from Monday 27 July until Friday 21 August, during the school holidays.

A road closure will be in place for the duration of the work, with a signed diversion route provided. Access will be maintained for homeowners throughout the scheme.

Amber Greensmith, Head of Customer Experience at Cadent, said: The metallic pipes that are in place in this section of the network have been very well used over the past 80 years and it's time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year.

These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future - the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.

We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and hope people understand this project is essential to maintain a long-term safe gas supply.

Gas stays ON for the duration of work. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced (in the immediate local area). Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while as the property gets connected into the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties.

If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.