WORK to upgrade gas pipes in Chagford starts next month.

Wales & West Utilities will be beginning the essential work on January 2.

The £293,000 investment work, which begins on 2 January, is needed to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses.

Barring any engineering difficulties, it will be completed at the end of April.

Wales & West Utilities has worked closely with Devon County Council, and it has been agreed traffic management will be in place as the works progress. This will be clearly signposted and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time.

Plans currently involve: a closure on The Square, at its junction with Mill Street from January 2 to 24, a closure on Mill Street from January 2 to the end of April and a closure on Manor Road from February 3 to March 7.

Wales & West Utilities Roxanne Whittaker, who is managing this gas pipe upgrade work, said: ‘We know 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.

'While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Chagford.

‘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.’