Essential upgrade work on a gas pipeline in Mellor is set to begin on 2 December.

The upgrades are targeting a section of pipe under Longhurst Lane, one of the oldest sections of pipe in Stockport.

Works will be split into six phases of 100 metres each, starting from the Devonshire Arms pub and working back along Longhurst Lane.

There will be temporary lights in place from 2 December until 20 December - these will keep traffic flowing both ways on the road. After the 20th, the section of road will be reinstated and all signs will be removed.

However, from 2 January, Longhurst Lane will be closed as crews move onto a different section of pipe. Access will be retained only for residents, and for essential services such as bin lorries. All other traffic will follow a diversion route agreed by Stockport Council.

Works will be finished by the end of January 2025.

Around 650 metres of pipe will be upgraded, starting from the Devonshire Arms pub in Mellor and working back along Longhurst Lane (Image - Google Maps)

For the most part, gas supply will remain on for the duration of the works. Only properties in the immediate vicinity that take a direct feed from the relevant piping will see an interruption - the supply will be turned on again on the same day it was turned off.

Works are being managed by Cadent, as part of an £80m investment in the North West pipe network. The aim is to ensure a safe and reliable gas flow, and to get the network ready for cleaner gases such as biomethane.

"This part of the network has served the area well for more than 85 years," said Mark Syers, head of Cadent's Investment Planning Office in the North West.

"However, maintenance and repairs – and inevitable disruption this creates for the local community through roadworks – has got too frequent. It's time to call an end to that by replacing these old pipes.

"We have a responsibility to make sure every property that uses gas has access to a safe and reliable supply, 24/7, 365 days a year. 

"We are very conscious of the disruption works like this cause and we are aiming to keep traffic flowing as best we can, with access to homes and businesses."

"Unfortunately, due to the location of the existing pipeline, part of this work will include us needing to use traffic lights and the later stages will require a full road closure. We hope people understand the reason for this is purely to ensure everyone's safety."

For more information, get in touch with Cadent here.

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