Six weeks of gas pipe work hold-ups near Oswestry

The project, costing totalling £98,000, started this week and is being carried out on the B5069 Gobowen Road by contractors from Wales & West Utilities.

The firm say it is hoped the works will be completed by June 4.

Peter Hughes, Wales & West Utilities operational manager for Shropshire, said although hold-ups caused by the work were not be ideal, the work being undertaken was 'essential' for the area. He said: "We are working on Gobowen Road in Oswestry to upgrade old metal gas pipes to new plastic ones. This £98,000 investment is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses – and make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"Our team are working as safely and as quickly as possible to finish this essential upgrade work with as little disruption to the local community as possible. In agreement with Shropshire Council, and so that the local community, road users and our colleagues are kept safe while we work, traffic lights will be in place as our work progresses.

"We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to support the area into the future. Replacing old metal gas pipes can be challenging and depending on what we find as we continue our work, our plans may need to change."

He added: "Before starting this work, we wrote to all homes and businesses in the area, letting them know what to expect. Members of the public can also always approach the team on-site with any questions."

News of the work comes as drivers in the Oswestry area were told they face almost a week of disruption as works are being carried out from the Mile End roundabout at Oswestry to the Gledrid roundabout, meaning the five-mile stretch of road is closed overnight from 8.30pm until 6am until Saturday.