A PROPOSED upgrade of the existing gas pipeline network is due to start in Chepstow next year and is set to last for 18 months.

Beginning on 19th January, the work will involve upgrading five miles of old metal pipes and replacing them with new plastic ones on the A48 Hardwick Hill and adjacent roads.

The proposed work will also involve upgrading individual supply pipes to more than 700 homes in the area.

Wales and West Utilities claims the £1 million gas pipe investment scheme will make sure that local homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.

This scheme is part of the multi-million pound investment programme which the company began in 2002. Old metal pipes that are now 30 years old and within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years.

But similar schemes in Monmouthshire are causing concern over the amount of disruption the upgrade will cause.

In Usk, work is due to commence in February on an identical scheme and many local residents and businesses expressed their concerns about the disruption at a public meeting held in the town.

This week in Chepstow, a public information session was held where members of the local community were invited to hear of the plans first-hand. Ahead of the scheme Wales & West Utilities said it has worked closely with Monmouthshire County Council to plan work and it has been agreed that the scheme will be split into phases and traffic management will be in place to keep disruption to the local community and road users to a minimum.

The first phase will involve a road closure of Hardwick Hill Lane at the junction of Mount Pleasant. This will be in place from 22nd January to 11th February. A road closure of Bulwark Road at the junction of Mount Pleasant through to Old Bulwark Road will be in place from 11th February to the 25th February and two way traffic lights will be in operation on the junction of Hardwick Hill and Mount Pleasant during half term week, 17th to 25th February.

Wales and West Utilities programme controller Adam Smith is managing the work and said: “We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to heat homes and power 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.

“We’re very aware of the effect that our work can have on communities and commuters and want to ensure everyone that we are working closely with Monmouthshire County Council to get this essential work done as quickly as possible, while causing the least inconvenience to local people.

”Our customer service team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 08009122999 or [email protected]”