Twenty-six weeks of pipe replacement work will start today in Orton Road, Carlisle.

Northern Gas Networks is replacing 7km of ageing metal gas pipes with more durable plastic ones.

The project is part of Northern Gas Network’s ongoing investment in Carlisle.

Matty McBride, business operations lead for NGN, said: “The ageing metal gas main has required several repairs in recent years and NGN has prioritised the pipe for replacement to minimise any inconvenience caused by future repairs and ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas for years to come.”

NGN says the 26-week project has been carefully planned in conjunction with Carlisle City Council to minimise the impact caused.

Shops and businesses in the area will remain open as usual.

NGN’s customer care officers have been out knocking on doors to make customers aware of the project.

There will on-site signage advising motorists of the work taking place.

Mr McBride said: “We have been working closely with Carlisle City Council to carefully plan these works and will be doing all we can to minimise disruption to customers.

“We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their support as we work to complete this project as safely and quickly as possible.”

NGN recently carried out work in Denton Holme in Carlisle.

The work was expected to take two weeks but ending up going on for two months because of underground complications.