Gas pipes are set to be replaced in Ottery St Mary

Wales & West Utilities is investing more than £1 million to upgrade the gas network in Ottery St Mary and Tipton.

The work aims to ensure a safe, reliable supply for homes and businesses for years to come.

Roxanne Whittaker, who is managing the programme for Wales & West Utilities, said: "We’re investing in our gas network to ensure it remains safe, reliable, and fit for the future for the customers we serve across Ottery St Mary and Tipton.

"We'll be keeping the local community updated on these works and working with the local authority, and other key partners, to keep disruption to a minimum.

"We understand our work can cause disruption, but it is essential to maintain a resilient gas network that households and business can rely on every day.

"Once we’ve completed this intensive phase of work, we’ll leave behind an upgraded network that meets today’s energy needs and is ready to transport greener gases in the future.

"By completing this work now, barring any emergency repairs, we can avoid returning to the area and causing further disruption to the local community for decades."

The company will be replacing more than three kilometres of gas pipes as part of a mains replacement programme.

Wales & West Utilities is working closely with Devon County Council to plan the project and manage any necessary traffic measures to keep disruption to a minimum.

The company will also keep residents informed as the project progresses.

Wales & West Utilities operates an underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes, delivering energy to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England.

It does not sell gas but is responsible for transporting it to homes and businesses through its network.

For more information about the project, residents can visit www.wwutilities.co.uk/gas-pipe-upgrade-projects.

If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 immediately.

Trained engineers are available 24 hours a day to respond and keep people safe.