Essential gas mains replacement work is set to begin in Brightlingsea as Cadent upgrades part of the local network.
The project will see 870 metres of ageing gas pipes replaced, with work taking place in Lower Park Road, Colne Road, New Street and Waterside.
Work gets underway on Wednesday 4 November, with permits in place for seven weeks until Tuesday 22 December 2026.
The following traffic management measures will be in place to allow the work to be completed safely and efficiently:
Diversion routes will be clearly displayed. Access will remain for residents living within the work area.
Cadent will be holding a public event between 1pm and 3pm on Tuesday 3 November at the car park in Oyster Tank Road. Businesses and residents are welcome to attend the event to ask any questions and raise any concerns. There is no need to book an appointment, please just come along and chat with the team.
Amber Greensmith, Head of Customer Experience at Cadent, said: In this part of Brightlingsea, more than 80 per cent of homes have gas central heating. Upgrading these pipelines will ensure we can continue to distribute gas safely to them, for many decades to come.
These upgrades also have big environmental gains, as they reduce methane emissions and enable a move to more renewable gases like biomethane. This is essential for a cleaner future as the UK will need energy to come from a range of sources to meet demand and be sustainable.
We know this work will cause disruption, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. Diversion routes will be clearly displayed, and we encourage people to follow them to keep traffic moving as safely and smoothly as possible. Access will remain for residents living within the work area.
I thank everybody for their patience as we take the measures needed to ensure our engineers can carry out these works as safely and as efficiently as possible.
Gas stays ON for the duration of the works. 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 (it will be back on the same day it goes off), as the property gets connected into 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 these works; it may not be and needs to be checked.
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.
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.
0797 404 7450
