RESIDENTS in Johnstown have been advised a programme of gas works is to begin in the next two weeks.

Wales and West Utilities has confirmed it will begin work next month to upgrade gas pipes in the High Street and Bangor Road area.

The company has said the work, which starts on July 3, is essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses.

It is part of a £180,000 project which, barring any engineering difficulties, will finish at the beginning of September.

Wales and West Utilities has worked closely with Wrexham Council to plan the scheme and it has been agreed that it will be carried out in three traffic management phases, which start on July 3.

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The work includes replacing gas pipes from the junction of Merlin Street and High Street down to the junction of Bangor Road. 

It has been agreed that work along Bangor Road, which involves a road closure, will be carried out during the school holidays to minimise impact to motorists.

Residents and businesses will receive more information ahead of the work starting, whilst diversion signs will be clearly in place. Motorists are advised to allow extra travelling time.

Nick Williams of Wales and West Utilities, who is managing this gas pipe upgrade work, said: "While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Johnstown.

"Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

"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.

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"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.

"Our Customer Service Team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about our work. You can contact them on freephone 0800 912 2999.

"Alternatively, you can contact us on Twitter @WWUtilities or Facebook.com/WWUtilities."

Anyone who smells gas, or suspects the presence of carbon monoxide, should call 0800 111 999 straight away, and engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.