AN ‘essential’ six-week project upgrading gas mains across Stourbridge has got underway this week.

National Grid claims to the work, which is taking place in Stanley Road, Avon Road, Lea Vale Road, Severn Road and Teme Road, will keep gas flowing to homes and businesses “until the end of the century”.

The ageing iron mains will be replaced with tough new plastic pipes that the company say will last for at least 80 years.

However, the work means traffic management measures will be needed in the area, and bus stops in Norton Road near to where the work is taking place will be suspended.

During the work, three-way traffic lights will be in place in Stanley Road at its junctions with Norton Road and Severn Road.

Stephen Murray, head of contract, said: “National Grid Gas Distribution Ltd plays a vital role in keeping people warm.

“We are investing millions of pounds every year in renewing the West Midlands’ gas mains so that local residents and businesses can continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.

“We appreciate this work may be disruptive. We’ll do all we can to finish the project as soon as possible and minimise disruption to residents, businesses and motorists.

“We’d like to thank people for their understanding and patience."

The project will involve replacing gas service pipes to properties in Stanley Road and Lea Vale Road, and to do this engineers will also need to temporarily disconnect the gas supplies to the properties involved.

National Grid said it will contact those properties involved to arrange access, while urging people to ask to see their engineers’ official identity cards before allowing them into properties.

For more information about how the gas main replacement work will affect residents and businesses, go to www.bettergaspipes.co.uk