More “disruptive” roadworks are set for Bury St Edmunds in the new year as part of continued gas works in the town.
Residents and businesses on Angel Hill, Crown Street and Honey Hill have been informed that gas main replacement work is due to start on January 3 for around two weeks.
The major programme of work to upgrade ageing gas mains saw five months of disruption from June until November this year around the St Andrew’s Street South, Robert Boby Way and Parkway areas of town.
This latest phase of work will see the existing gas main in Angel Hill/The Great Churchyard replaced with tough new plastic pipes.
During the project, a road closure will be in place on Angel Hill just before the junction with Churchgate Street – outside the cathedral.
Diversion routes will be in place along Churchgate Street and Crown Street and the road closure will take place from January 14-20.
In the letter, Cadent told residents and business that “gas [supply] will not be affected however there will be disruptions on Angel Hill”.
The company said it is important the work is done for safety reasons.
Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds BID, which represents businesses in the town, said: “It is again disappointing that Cadent didn’t feel it was appropriate to make the organisation which represents town centre businesses aware of the work. We found out through other means.
“We would hope the work is complete as soon as possible and with minimum disruption.
“We are grateful that the work did not start before Christmas.”
The work is part of a £101million investment in the gas network across East Anglia and the Midlands.
A spokesman for Cadent said: “Cadent is carrying out a major programme of work to upgrade ageing gas mains in Bury St Edmunds so that homes and businesses continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.
“Ageing iron gas mains are being replaced with tough new plastic pipes, which won’t need renewing until at least the end of the century.
“We would like to thank people in Bury St Edmunds for their patience. We understand that our works can be disruptive so we always try to work with local communities and local councils to minimise any disruption and get the work completed as soon as possible.
“However, it is important, for safety reasons, that these pipes are replaced.
“If anyone has any concerns about our upcoming work in Angel Hill please contact us 0800 096 5678.”
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