Near 100-year-old gas pipes to be replaced in Elmstead Market

    03 Aug 2026 In your area

    Media contacts

    Simon Hutchinson

    mail [email protected]

    Telephone 0797 404 7450

    • Essential engineering work in Elmstead Market, Colchester, will help keep residents connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating
    • The scheme involves replacing 320 metres of ageing gas pipe originally installed in the 1930
    • Work starts on 17 August and is due to take six weeks to complete, with a permit in place until 21 September

    Gas pipes that were first installed in Elmstead Market in the 1930s are to be upgraded to new, durable plastic pipes which will future-proof the network for decades to come.

    Cadent is set to replace 320 metres of ageing gas pipe in Elmstead Market, helping to keep local homes and businesses connected to safe and reliable gas supplies for cooking and heating.

    The works will take place in Church Road, from the junction of Holly Way to the junction of Colchester Road/Clacton Road. A road closure will be in place between these points to keep engineers and road users safe while the work is completed. Signed diversion routes and advance warning signs will be used where required.

    The project is part of Cadent’s ongoing investment to upgrade older gas mains across the East of England, replacing ageing pipes with modern plastic ones that are more durable and ready for the future.

    Following consultation with Essex County Council, Cadent has agreed to carry out these essential gas works starting on 17 August. The project is due to take six weeks to complete, with a permit in place until 21 September.

    Eleanor Buxton, Head of Work Management at Cadent, said: The gas pipes in this part of Elmstead have been working hard for nearly 100 years, but it’s now time to replace them so we can continue to deliver gas safely and reliably to homes and businesses.

    We know roadworks can be frustrating and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused. We will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum and complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible.

    This investment will help make sure the local gas network remains safe, reliable and ready to support the community for decades to come.

    Gas supplies remain ON for the duration of work. The only interruption to supply will be to properties that take a direct feed from the pipes being replaced (in the immediate local area). Supply to these properties will be disconnected for a short while the property is connected to the new pipe. Advance notice will be given, and more information will be provided to these properties. 

    If you smell gas, always ring the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999*, day or night. Do not assume it is related to this work; it may not be and needs to be checked.

    Cadent

    Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy. We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change. Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency. Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing.

    Future of Gas:

    Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

    Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

    Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

    *All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

    uat
    Go to current incident
    1!

    Incidents

    Telephone Icon - Contact Us

    Smell Gas?

    *
    Aa Accessibility
    Test environment