Here is a message I received from SGN, the company responsible for gas supply pipelines. I hope the disruption does not cause too many difficulties for residents.
I’m writing to you to make you aware of our upcoming project to upgrade our gas network in Heathfield Vale and Selsdon Park Road, Croydon. Our project involves the essential replacement of old metal gas mains with new plastic pipe. Our contractor Essex Utilities will undertake this work on our behalf.
This safety-critical project needs to go ahead, rather than wait until the coronavirus pandemic passes, to ensure your local community continues to receive a safe and reliable gas supply.
In consultation with Croydon Council, we’ll start our project on Monday 7 December and expect to last approximately 12 weeks. We’ll complete the work in two phases as follows;
Phase one – lasting approximately 9 weeks
Our engineers will be working on Heathfield Vale from outside No. 43 to the junction with Farnborough Avenue. For everyone’s safety, we will install temporary multi-way signals around our work area.
Bus stops on Heathfield Vale adjacent to Farnborough Avenue, will be suspended throughout.
All work will be suspended between 21 December and 4 January 2021, to avoid disrupting the area during the busy festive period. Our engineers will reinstate our work area and safely remove our equipment before leaving the site.
Phase two – lasting approximately 3 weeks
On Monday 8 February, we’ll be working along the footpath on Selsdon Park Road slip road between No. 43 and No. 57. Traffic will be maintained in both directions.
We’re working closely with the UK Government and public health bodies to make sure we work in line with expert advice during the pandemic. We have extra safety precautions in place to protect our colleagues and our communities from catching or spreading the virus as we carry out our safety-critical project. There’s more information about our coronavirus response on our website: sgn.co.uk/coronavirus
We’re writing to residents and other local stakeholders to make them aware of our project and explain the details of our work. Please feel free to also share this information with anyone you think may be impacted by our project.
We understand that people can get frustrated by roadworks. However, the new plastic pipe has a minimum lifespan of 80 years. This means that when the work is complete, residents will continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come.
Cllr Helen Pollard
