Work to replace 800m of ageing gas pipes begins

Work has begun to replace 800m (2,624ft) of ageing gas pipes that were installed after World War One.

Traffic management would be in place while the 16-week scheme in Kirby Road, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, continued until 12 June.

Gas would remain on throughout the works, which would also affect neighbouring roads in Grove Avenue, Butchers Lane and Gouldings Avenue.

Amber Greensmith, from Cadent, said the "tough new pipes" would protect the gas network "for many decades to come".

The original pipes were installed in the 1920s as part of post-World War One recovery efforts.

A mixture of road closures, multi-way traffic lights and singular lane access would be in place during the project.

Cadent said some properties may have their gas disconnected for a while, but that it would always be switched back on the same day it went off.

"The metallic pipes that are in place in this section of the network, have been very well used for over 100 years," Greensmith added.

"It's now time for them to be replaced so that we can continue to deliver gas to peoples' homes 24/7, 365 days a year."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.