July will mark the start of an essential gas mains upgrade in Cavendish Road, Clare, that will keep gas flowing to local homes and businesses until the end of the century.

National Grid will be renewing nearly half a kilometre of iron gas mains in Cavendish Road, from the junction with Church Street to the junction with Harp Lane. The existing iron mains will be replaced with tough, hardwearing plastic pipes that will last at least 80 years.

National Grid is inviting businesses and residents in Clare and surrounding villages to find out more about the project at a public meeting on Tuesday 2 June, at Clare Town Hall, starting at 7pm.

The work is expected to take seven weeks. It is due to start mid-July, with the bulk of the project taking place during the school summer holidays to reduce the disruption to local communities and the road network.

To safeguard engineers and road-users, it will be necessary to close Cavendish Road from Church Street to Harp Lane while the work is being carried out.

The following diversion route will be in place: A1092 towards Long Melford, A134 towards Bury St Edmunds, A1302, A143 towards Haverhill, A1017, and then the A1092 towards Clare.

Access to Cavendish Road will be maintained for pedestrians and businesses in the town will remain open as usual.

Traffic management measures will also be necessary for Church Lane for three weeks during August. Details of these are being confirmed with the Highways Authority and are likely to include temporary traffic lights. Appropriate traffic orders will be in place throughout the works to enable National Grid to adapt traffic management to alleviate congestion and reopen the road as quickly as possible to vehicles in a safe manner. 

Vince Doggett of National Grid said: “It is essential that we replace ageing gas mains so that local residents and businesses can continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies for decades to come.

“We would urge people to attend our information event so we can discuss the work with them, answer their questions and address any concerns.

“We have explored every option but unfortunately a road closure of Cavendish Road in this case is unavoidable. Every effort will be made to complete the work as soon as we can and minimize disruption to local people.”

Businesses affected by the work may be eligible for compensation for loss of business under the Gas Regulations 1996. National Grid representatives will be visiting local businesses over the coming days to discuss the work and provide information about the compensation scheme. Businesses can also find out more by going to www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas.

If anyone has any queries or concerns they are welcome to attend the public information event. They can also contact National Grid customer services on 0800 096 5678.

Story By: Town Clerk

Date : 14-05-2015