THERE is likely to be traffic disruption for six months in Wiveliscombe during gas upgrade work.

Wales and West Utilities is to start work in the town next week to modernise around a mile of gas pipes .

The project is set to start next Monday (October 16) and, barring any engineering difficulties, is scheduled for completion during April next year.

Wales & West Utilities has liaised with Somerset Council during the planning process and it has been agreed that traffic management, including traffic lights and road closures, will be used throughout the scheme.

Where road closures are necessary, diversion signs will be in place and motorists are advised to allow extra travelling time.

Wales and West Utilities' Roxanne Whittaker is managing the scheme.

She said: “While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Wiveliscombe.

"Whether it is 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.

“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 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.

“This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”

Anyone with any questions about the work can contact the Wales and West Utilities customer service team on Freephone 0800 912 2999.

Alternatively, you can contact the company on Twitter @WWUtilities or via www.facebook.com/wwutilities.

Wales and West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, carries energy to 7.5million people across the South West and Wales.

If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call the company on 0800 111 999 straightaway.