A major gas upgrade scheme in Wiveliscombe will see extended road closures and traffic management for months as works are carried out.

Wales and West utilities are set to embark on works to upgrade 1400 metres of the town's pipelines, works they describe as essential to "Keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses."

The works are set to begin on October 16, and conclude six months later in April 2024. To enable the works to be carried out traffic management schemes will be introduced, including temporary lights, road closures and diversions.

The firm advised motorists to allow for extra travel time, and said they were working with Somerset Council to get the traffic management in place.

Wales & West Utilities Roxanne Whittaker is managing this gas pipe upgrade work. 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’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.

“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.”

Queries about the works can be taken up with West and Wales Utilities by telephone at 0800 912 2999.