MORE gas works are due to start in the Highweek area from next week.

Wales and West Utilities will be upgrading gas pipes in Highweek Street area of Newton Abbot starting from Monday March 3.

This latest works part of the company’s ongoing plans to replace outdated gas pipes and keep gas flowing safely and reliably to homes and businesses.

Barring any engineering difficulties it will complete by the end of June.

The gas emergency and pipeline service has liaised with Devon County Council to plan the work.

Phase one from March 3 to April 3 will see Highweek Street closed.

There will be three-way traffic lights on the A382 Bradley Land, Halcyon Road and Highweek Street.

Phase two from March 31 to the end of June will see a ‘phased’ road closure along Highweek Road, with work planned on Coronation Road during May half term.

Wales & West Utilities Roxanne Whittaker is managing this work and said: ‘We know that 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 the Newton Abbot area.

‘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.’