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News

New gas pipeline for Blandford Road

Essential work to replace gas pipes will begin in Blandford Road, Poole, on Monday 3 September 2001.

The new mains, made entirely of high-tech polyethylene, will cover 1600m of Blandford Road and will ensure continuous and safe supplies into the future.

It is estimated that the work will take up to ten weeks to complete.

The work has been planned in conjunction with the Borough of Poole and the police. To avoid serious traffic congestion and maintain safety for the community, Blandford Road will be made into a one-way system from Hamworthy to Poole for the duration of the work. Road signs will make clear where diversions are in place.

The timing of the project was planned to help local businesses and holidaymakers throughout the summer season and to complete the work before the extra demands of autumn and winter. Gas supplies will not be interrupted during the work.

Phil Bell, Transco Network Officer, said: "This is a major replacement programme which will ensure reliable gas supplies for the area. We recognise that this will cause a level of inconvenience for local residents and businesses, but the work is absolutely essential. We will be using specialist teams who will work between approximately 7.30am to 8 or 9pm, six days a week. We will not be working on Sundays. We are mindful that this is a residential area and will make every effort to keep noise levels to a minimum."

Mr Bell added: "Safety is of great concern to us and as there are three schools in the area, it was decided to make Blandford Road one-way for the duration of the work. It will also enable our teams to work in greater safety and enable us to get heavy plant and equipment to the site. We apologise for any inconvenience the work may cause, but I have to emphasise that the work is essential."

The Borough of Poole has taken the opportunity during the work to make road improvements to the area.

Cllr Bob Williams, Executive Spokesperson for Environment and Prosperity, said: "Although this will be inconvenient for many people, it is essential work which will ensure that the demand and safety of gas supplies for people in Hamworthy and the surrounding areas are met. By introducing a one-way system, local schools, pedestrians and drivers will be able to use the road safely whilst the work is done as quickly as possible."

Cllr Williams added: "Because of the scale of the work, we have tried to minimise disruption for local people by carrying out safety improvements to the junction at Tuckers Lane at the same time. Even though this will be a difficult time, I would ask local people to be patient and hopefully we can keep disruption to a minimum."

Geoff Aspel, Communications Advisor, Transco, tel. 01306 748599