“We are very cautious of the disruption works like this cause”

There are warnings over two months of traffic disruption with a major gas pipeline in Stockport to be replaced. Bosses at the gas network Cadent have announced they are upgrading nearly 650 metres of pipe in the village of Mellor, on the edge of the Peak District.

It means that from December 2 until December 20, temporary traffic lights will be in place on Longhurst Lane, the main road running through the village, which sits between Marple and New Mills.

After a pause in the project over Christmas, from January 2 work will commence in the centre of the road. As a result it will be fully closed.

“Access will be maintained only for residents, emergency vehicles and other essential services, such as bin lorries. All other traffic will be guided to follow a diversion route agreed with Stockport Council,” Cadent said in a statement issued today (Friday).

The stretch of pipe, which dates back to 1938 and heats thousands of local homes, is one of the oldest in Stockport. Cadent say they are frequently having to carry out work to repair and maintain it, so have decided to replace it.

Starting near the junction with the Devonshire Arms pub, the work heads back along Longhurst Lane, in six phases of around 100m each. It is set to be finished by the end of January. Bosses have apologised in advance for the disruption it will cause, but say the work is “essential” and will prevent more roadworks in the future.

“This part of the network has served the area well for more than 85 years,” Mark Syers, head of Cadent’s North West Investment Planning Office said.

“However, maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption this creates for the local community through roadworks – has got too frequent. It’s time to call an end to that by replacing these old pipes.

“We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year. We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and we are aiming to keep traffic flowing as best we can, with access to homes and businesses.

“Unfortunately, due to the location of the existing pipeline, part of this work will include us needing to use traffic lights and the later stages will require a full road closure. We hope people understand the reason for this is purely to ensure everyone’s safety.”