Axbridge News: at last, finally a decision by planners on the proposed Axbridge Gypsy and Traveller Site west of St Michael’s on the main road
By Harry Mottram: The road linking Axbridge to Wells is to be closed for most of September to allow Wales & West Utilities to carry out gas pipe works. In phase one the A371 will be closed from Hillier Garden Centre to outside Strawberry Fields Luxury Lodges as well as the junction of School Lane and Latches Lane. From September 1st work to replace old gas pipes in danger of leaking will continue to around the 27th September before phase two when work till see the road partially closed until 11th October further along on Draycott Road between Strawberry Fields Luxury Lodges and the electric substation. But that closure will feature a set of lights so traffic can get through.
To bypass the works there is the alternative road to Wells via Wedmore and Theale or Cheddar Gorge and then down to Wells via Deer Leap and Wookey Hole. Emergency Services will also be blocked from passing through during phase one.
Wales & West Utilities are not a supplier of gas but provide the pipe network for gas companies to use to supply their customers. Originally, they wanted to do the work in August but interventions by the local MP Tessa Munt, local councillors and business owners managed to get them to move the date back a month to avoid summer holiday traffic. As it is there will be congestion and disruption to the 126 bus service.
Wales & West Utilities said: “The essential upgrade to the network in the area will involve the replacement of old cast iron gas pipes that have reached the end of their life cycle, with some pipes dating back to 1915 and the 1960s. They will be replaced with new polyethylene pipes that are more durable and capable of meeting the increasing demands for gas and preparing the network to distribute green gases such as hydrogen and biomethane.”
For any further information visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects/. As projects begin, customers can also find out what to expect from the work at www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/gas-pipe-upgrades/.
If you have further queries about the project, our Customer Service Team is here to help. You can call us free on 0800 912 2999, message us on X (@WWUtilities), or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/wwutilities.