AN infrastructure project to upgrade gas pipes in Ashburton has ‘started well’, Wales & West Utilities have said.

The £450,000 project to upgrade more than 1,800 metres of gas pipes in the Eastern Road area of the town started earlier this month.

And, barring any engineering difficulties, it will be completed in October.

As work continues, Wales and West is keen to remind local people that businesses in the town remain open.

Wales & West Utilities’ Abby Smith, who is managing the work, said: ‘We want to assure local people that shops in Ashburton remain open throughout this essential work’.

‘We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

‘We’ll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

‘While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the area.

‘Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.’

Traffic management will be used throughout the length of the work.

Initial plans include:

• A road closure on East Street and Eastern Road (until July 18)

• Works at the junction of Cooks Close (May 27 – June 9)

• Works on Jordan Meadow (June 16 – July 4)

• Two-way traffic lights on Balland Lane, in conjunction with the road closure on Eastern Road (30 June - 22 August)

• A road closure from the junction of Little Roborough to the rear of 69 Home Park (18 August - 15 September)

• Work along Home Park (15 September - 13 October)

• Work along the footpath of Home Park (15 September - 13 October)